“All things are possible for the one who believes.” Jesus made this startling statement just before healing a boy with seizures. It was likely just as “unbelievable” then as it is now. Yet, it’s purpose is to do the opposite, that is grow our belief. Faith makes all things possible.
Visible Thinking
Jesus’ purpose was to get us to think differently about faith. Are you aware of the connection between thinking and speaking. For the last several years at school, we have been working on a project to make our students’ “thinking visible.” This is due in large part to the work of, researcher and author, Ron Ritchhart.
As educators, we’ve come to realize that we can’t see what is going on in a student’s head. We have also learned that talking is a great way to get students to engage with the learning. As a result, the learning environment has changed. When walking into a classroom or lab, rather than students sitting quietly in their chairs, you will see students talking with one another about their learning: exploring the subject, discovering new connections, integrating the learning into a new understanding of the world around them.
Wow, could this be true of faith too? Does God want us to actively engage with faith in our everyday life? I am confident that the answer is “Yes!” Faith can’t just be in our heads. We must make our thinking visible.
Speaking About Faith
How we speak about faith can provide subtle, yet profound power over our ability to grow. Language helps direct our attention and action. Language conveys messages that shape our thinking, sense of self, and connection to a group, in our case, the body of Christ. These messages affect our thinking as we are in situations when others are using the language. Hopefully, I am modeling the language of faith. But, pastors are not the only ones who use the language of faith. Teachers, parents, mentors, and others can model for us “mindfulness” as it relates to faith.
Often, when we pray, our focus is on a definitive answer we want to receive rather being open to God’s will in a given situation. The language that we use even in our prayers can cause us to be more aware, mindful, and flexible as we present our petitions to God. Language that opens the door to a bit of ambiguity has the power to keep the mind open to possibilities that we had not even considered. Our prayers should say, “God this is the situation, what might you be saying to me.” This is very different than saying, “God this is the situation, this is what I need…”
The Power of Words
As an educator, I have learned the power of conditional words to keep the mind open and flexible. The difference between using the word “might” instead of “is” may be subtle, but it opens our thinking. This is called “mindfulness.” As a Christian, I’ve learned the power of how I present my petitions to God in keeping my mind open to hearing what he wants for me, instead of me telling him what I want.
Our language helps grow our faith and faith makes all things possible. As we are mindful of the possibilities that God has for us, we will be willing to take risks and step out in faith, trusting God for little and big things. I think that is indeed what Jesus intended by making such a startling statement.
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
James 2:15-17
Also, see Praise Language.
Copyright © 2020 Chuck Locklear