I’ve been watching this video series from this health guy
who gives the scientific approach to raising energy levels. He gets into how to build up your cells
internally, by increasing the number of mitochondria—the energy engine—in your
cells.
Now I always watch these guys with suspicion because I know
that in the end, they are just trying to sell us something—which he has already
admitted is his goal. I never buy into their programs, but the interesting
thing about this guy is that he does—for free—break down some of the science in
his introductory videos.
Of course, as in so many cases, he spends a lot of words to
say something that could be said much more simply.
Things like—routine exercise, coupled with intensity, such
as weight lifting or sprinting, can help people who are sedentary. Fasting now and again can be good for the
average person (who doesn’t have other health concerns.)
Basic stuff.
We do this with religion as well. We use a lot of words—sometimes expensive
words—to say things that could be said much more simply.
This can be challenging to people who are, maybe for the
first time, dipping their toe into the water of faith. Complicating this, we tend to use language
that is totally unfamiliar, while making the assumption that everyone knows
what we are talking about.
I believe that this contributes to the reason so many people
either do not step deeper into their faith, or live at a very surface level.
I can say with certainty that as a beginner, some of the
documents we encounter, or concepts we try to learn, are extremely
challenging. Also with certainty, I can
guarantee that with increased familiarity, comprehension improves as well.
Growing in your faith almost requires learning a new
language, so like learning Spanish or French or whatever, it takes time and
patience. We don’t learn it over
night. But is it worth investing our
time and energy? Well, yes, if you want
to go to Spain or France or communicate in that language, and yes, if you want
to grow in your faith and strengthen your foundation.
Where to begin?
Well, like any language, begin with the basics. Like my health guy, break it down. Whenever you read a new word, or hear some
religious person say something you are unfamiliar with, find out what it means.
Also, sometimes it really helps just to dive in. What interests you when it comes to faith or
religion? Do you want to know who
believes what, or do you want to know what motivated a popular religious
figure? Are you looking to see why your
church practices the way it does, teaches what it does?
Maybe you are interested in worship music. How does it add to a service? What is its role in worship?
Maybe you need someone to walk you through social areas you
are concerned with, or how you can participate in various events.
Don’t wait for an invitation.
These are all ways to dip your toe into the shallow end,
which is where we all begin. As a youth,
you don’t get thrown into the deep end without knowing how to swim, but you get
familiarized with the water from a level that is comfortable first.
I encourage you today to think about where your interests are
when it comes to faith and explore them.
What you will discover is a wide, wide world that can transform you at
your very core.
Like the health guy trying to introduce his listeners to
some basic ideas about how to get healthy, you, too, will improve your
spiritual health when you open yourself up to the language of faith and some new
experiences.
And the added benefit is that you don’t have to worry about
someone trying to sell you something in the end. This is God’s free gift!
God bless,
Janet Cassidy
Janetcassidy.com
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