“Because I said so.”
That’s a phrase that you’ve heard – and that you might have used. As a son and as a father, I’ve
been on both ends of that expression. In all likelihood, “because I said so” ended the
conversation. Sometimes it’s necessary, perhaps because the situation is urgent or time is
short. But often it creates frustration and even misunderstanding. And in parenting, it’s a
missed opportunity in explaining to a child how and why to make good, solid choices. And,
even more importantly, it’s a missed opportunity to build trust.
been on both ends of that expression. In all likelihood, “because I said so” ended the
conversation. Sometimes it’s necessary, perhaps because the situation is urgent or time is
short. But often it creates frustration and even misunderstanding. And in parenting, it’s a
missed opportunity in explaining to a child how and why to make good, solid choices. And,
even more importantly, it’s a missed opportunity to build trust.
God, as our all-wise Creator, has the absolute right to use this phrase. But the fact of the matter
is, he often takes the time to explain. The Good News is that our Heavenly Father wants us to
know why. Even more important, our Heavenly Father wants us to trust him, and so he gives
his children a thorough explanation in his Word, the Bible.
is, he often takes the time to explain. The Good News is that our Heavenly Father wants us to
know why. Even more important, our Heavenly Father wants us to trust him, and so he gives
his children a thorough explanation in his Word, the Bible.
God wants his household of faith to be built on a solid foundation.
The church is often called a “community of faith.” This very title presupposes that everyone who
participates is a person of faith. As Christians, we have faith in many different things: That God
exists, that God hears and answers prayer, that there is a reason for evil and suffering, that the
Bible is true and trustworthy, and that life has purpose and meaning.
However, to be human means to have doubts. Faith can be shaken. In fact, doubt often
coexists alongside faith. That is, we have reasons to believe and reasons to doubt the very
same thing.
participates is a person of faith. As Christians, we have faith in many different things: That God
exists, that God hears and answers prayer, that there is a reason for evil and suffering, that the
Bible is true and trustworthy, and that life has purpose and meaning.
However, to be human means to have doubts. Faith can be shaken. In fact, doubt often
coexists alongside faith. That is, we have reasons to believe and reasons to doubt the very
same thing.
In his book, Reaching for the Invisible God, Philip Yancey writes: “The church at its best
prepares a safe and secure space that belief may one day fill; we need not bring fully formed
belief to the door, as a ticket for admission.” Jesus himself honored the faith of everyone who
asked, from the bold centurion to doubting Thomas, healing a man who brought his son to him
and said, “I do believe! Help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
prepares a safe and secure space that belief may one day fill; we need not bring fully formed
belief to the door, as a ticket for admission.” Jesus himself honored the faith of everyone who
asked, from the bold centurion to doubting Thomas, healing a man who brought his son to him
and said, “I do believe! Help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
Come and join us as we as a community of faith seek greater understanding. All are welcome –
and it’s safe to ask all your questions!
and it’s safe to ask all your questions!
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Pastor Ryan
Seeking Jesus, Serving Others
Seeking Jesus, Serving Others