“My grandparents are spinning in their graves,” I complained as my children turned the television channel. We weren’t watching a cable channel; we were watching primetime network programming. And it was 
embarrassing.
It makes me sad to think about what’s happening in our culture, especially with the younger generations. I just started teaching through the book of Judges, and it reminds me of what happened with the Israelites after Joshua died.
The people forgot about God’s miracles and judgments. They let the influence of the Canaanites permeate their thinking. It wasn’t long before they fully immersed themselves in the culture of the people around them, adopted their pagan practices, and turned from God’s Law. And
… everyone did what was right in his own eyes. ~ Judges 17:6
Sounds like today, doesn’t it?
In the past few generations, we’ve allowed post-modern thinking and moral relativism to permeate our thinking. German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche, who died in 1900, best expressed this mindset:
“You have your way, I have my way.
As for the right way, it does not exist.”
Nietzsche’s problematic philosophy also denied the existence of God, which seems to be the prevailing attitude of our society. And those of us who believe in a right way, God’s way, are ridiculed.
But we shouldn’t be surprised. Paul told Timothy,
… everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus
will be persecuted,
while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse,
deceiving and being deceived.
~2 Tim 3:12-13 (NIV)
And it’s happening all around us. How can we not lose hope?
3 Steps to Strengthening Your Faith
Corporate Worship
Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to meeting to worship together, but to meet even more! Don’t expect to find a perfect church because, as Charles Spurgeon reminds us: the minute you join, it becomes imperfect.
Community Study
Jesus promised to be in the midst of a small group (Matthew 18:20), and it’s a great interactive environment for growing in your faith. I teach a couples’ Sunday school class, so I spend a lot of time studying and preparing; but I learn even more from the class discussions.
Personal Time with God
Jesus modeled a personal devotion time by getting up early and spending time alone in prayer (Mark 1:35). If the Son of God needed to spend time with the Father before He faced the day, how much more do we need to spend time with Him? It doesn’t have to be complicated: find a quiet spot, pray and ponder a verse or two. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your day.
If these things aren’t part of your routine, why not start today? It’s never too late to start a good habit and today could be a hinge point! Start with a personal time and ask the Lord to lead you from there. Remember:
A faithful life is nothing more than a series of faithful days.
(Tweet this)
Your faithful choice today could bring a blessing on this generation and the generations to come!
What are some things you do to strengthen your faith?
Click to read other posts in the Legacy Series.
When you find something worth watching on TV….let me know! Even the daily news is horrible!
I value my early morning quiet time!
Thanks for the reminders!!
I think we’re down to a handful, including our favorite — “Say Yes To The Dress.” I’m about to give it up altogether.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
ps, How’s the garden? Try to photograph the next deer that gets in your beans!
Amen and amen. I *know* this. Maybe you could pray for us? We are not looking for the perfect church, but Jesus. First, there was the healing. Now, there is the waiting. We have meaningful fellowship with Christian friends and family in our homes, but it is not regular. It is not enough. Yet, for now it is. We trust God to lead us to the right thing at the right time.
Absolutely, Tereasa. I’ll add that to my journal. You’re right — it’ll happen in His good time. Can’t wait to hop over to your blog and read more of your story. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting today!
Tereasa- praying for you right now. God can accomplish any work of healing in the midst of any body of his people. Praying for your strength and wisdom in committing to a body of Jesus-followers. Be encouraged! I’ve been in a church for five years that I *thought* wasn’t the perfect body due to a number of different factors. Five years later God has pulled the scales off my eyes and revealed to me the numerous ways he’s specifically used this body for my healing! Praying for joy in whichever body that is for you right now!
Smiled wide when I saw we were neighbors over at Duane’s place today!
What a wonderful post…a series of faithful days. YES! One day at a time, I’ll walk toward Him and find my way Home.
Thank you!
FUN
So glad you linked up today, Nikki. May today be a faithful one!
Oh boy, you hit the nail on the head!!! We are ALL in danger of drifting away from God if we don’t regularly meet with Him…in prayer and in His Word.
I love this study, Susan and thank you for sharing it!!!!
(each post I say, “Oh THIS is my fave)
Yes, we’d be in deep stuff furshur! Glad you’re liking my thoughts from Judges. I’ll keep you posted on what’s to follow
Sure wish we could figure out a way to get together soon, Sandi
Susan, as usual you grabbed my heart with this post. Though I have a personal time with the Lord each day, I find myself slacking on the weekends because of all the drama. I need to let that be a reason for more time, not less. Thanks for the reminder! Love you!
Bless you, sweet Jamie. I have to confess that some weekends I’m guilty of the same thing. I’m glad we’re never more than a prayer away, and that He’s always ready to be with us!
Love you!
I’ve been writing about God’s word being our standard for absolute truth in my Theology on Thursday posts. It’s something many in my generation has abandoned–we set up ourselves as our own standard of truth embracing relativism. I don’t know that I’ve ever read that Nietzsche quote–there truly is nothing new under the sun huh?
Mary Beth @newlifesteward
Thanks for stopping by, Mary Beth. I’m teaching through Judges right now, and while I’m stunned at the faithlessness of the Israelites, I see it everywhere I turn in our culture. And it’s scary.
And you’re right – nothing new at all. Funny that Nietzsche probably thought he was a trailblazer with his thinking. Wonder what he thinks NOW?
Thanks for linking up!
It is scary. I can’t imagine operating my life with no absolute standard of truth.
This is so good and rich. The Christian life is not easy if we live according to God’s Word. It will contradict what the world says is OK. I love your three points. And yes, spending time in the morning with the Lord is of utmost importance. Starting my day with Him changes my perspective.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Debbie. You’re so right – the world will always think we’re crazy because of our faith. But I love what you shared on your blog today – we keep doing what’s right, regardless of what the world says.
Hugs from VA!
Good word Susan! I’m excited for this new study on legacy you are doing.
I appreciate your 3 ways to strengthen our faith – so very true indeed. 
Another one for me is solitude – there are times when I really need to be alone with God without worldly distractions – even if it’s an hour at a park or hiking on a trail etc.
Love you, Hester
Hi Hester! Judges has always been a favorite study, and it’s fun to write devos this time around. I’m with you – there is no substitute for quiet. It’s why I love to walk and run by myself. I get lots of good praying and pondering done
Love you, and hope you’re having a great summer with your men!
We must live in this world, but not of this world. I have an incredible 18-year old who loves the Lord, but she wants a tatoo. We’ve gone over and over the verse in Leviticus, but as 18-year olds are, she is determined. Now, the tatoo she wants is to be on her foot, and says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” How do you argue with that? I’ve tried to argue it from a practical sense…will she still want a tatoo on her foot when she’s 50? To no avail. Any suggestions?
Mine are 20 and 22, Celeste, and we’ve had the same conversations/arguments. I wish I had an answer, but they’re gonna do what they’re gonna do. It helps if one of her older, tattooed friends has one they regret getting. (sorry for that sloppy sentence structure!) That’s the only reason mine have re-considered, but they still bring it up from time to time.
Like you, I counter with: Do you want to be a saggy old person with a creepy tattoo hanging off you? Or be a fat old person with that thing stretched out until it’s unidentifiable?
What about this: we pray that they’ll pass out from fright when they see the tattoo needles? I’m not opposed to praying that stuff on my kids, and they know it
I’ve been hoping the needle would scare her away, but I hadn’t thought of praying for exactly that! I’ve just been praying that something would change her heart on this matter. But I like the way you’re thinking
My uncle has the best tattoo. It’s a small dot on his hand. It hurt so much, he didn’t let them finish. That’s my favorite tattoo and it made me love him that much more!
I also saw that you mentioned “Say Yes to the Dress” but have you noticed that even that show is corrupted? They are bringing in a bunch of not so hidden messages and alternative agendas, it’s so disappointing and reveals their worldview. My tv is off a lot of the time. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate your insight!
I love the dot! LOL that’s awesome
We just saw that episode of Say Yes, and we were so disappointed. You’re right about the hidden messages and agendas. It’s desensitizing us and our children. We have to be alert and smart, and point those things out.
Thanks for stopping by, Cindy! Hope your 2nd Lt is doing well at BOLC this summer!
I asked Mary Demuth what her opinion was in a comment on a parenting post, and she said she might not be the best one to ask since she was probably getting a tattoo herself that day! She also referenced an aritcle that helped. Here’s the link for anyone interested: http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/tattoochristian.htm
I’m hoping for the same result Cindy’s uncle had…too much pain! Kind of like Phoebe from Friends. She was getting a tattoo of a lilly, but it was so painful she ended up with a blue dot and called it “the world from my mom’s perspective” (her mom was dead). =o/
When I put everything into perspective, I suppose a Bible verse tattooed on her foot is certainly not the worst thing in the world, but hopefully she will change her mind. She’s been 18 since April and hasn’t done it yet…
MARY is getting a tattoo?? Can’t wait to hear about that
And you’re right, Celeste. You have to pick your battles, and if they’re bound and determined to do it, I’d prefer scripture. I just can’t figure out why this generation is enthralled with INK
Thanks for sharing that link. I appreciate that perspective.
Celeste, I actually just wrote an article on this subject! It isn’t posted anywhere yet, but I’d love to share it with you. I almost got a tattoo a few weeks ago myself! I didn’t, my friend did, and I think it’s less about the tattoo and more about the heart! Let me know if you’d like me to email it to you.
Yes Lindsay, I’d love to read it! Thanks! My email is celestevaughan@charter.net
You’ve got me thinking.
““You have your way, I have my way.
As for the right way, it does not exist.”
This very attitude has been moving into my heart lately the more I get discouraged with the current state of the Christian people. It seems we all have started adapting to that and I am in there too, saying, “Hey, live and let live.”
But the truth is, we are called to be our brother’s keeper and I am thankful to you today for keeping me true.
I know what you mean, Duane. So many times we’re focused on keeping peace, which isn’t a bad thing. But when we let things slide that need to be confronted, all in the spirit of “live and let live,” it sets a dangerous precedent that starts us down a slippery slope.
Thanks for making me think and for linking up today
Agreed … I am nothing without Him.
Loved this post, Susan.
Blessings,
Felecia
Hugs to you, Felecia. Thanks so much for stopping by
You are spot on, Susan!
All three steps are necessary — we can’t pick and choose. Each play an integral part in the strengthening process. Thank you for this post.
Thanks, Cathy! And your Sunday service continues to bless others even after the doors close for the night. I love reading your detailed sermon notes!
Hey Sus, a great reminder, whenever I get on my bike exercise I listen to the song “Power of His Love” I can play it over and over again, (I pedal faster), then as I think of trying to shed some lbs, I also think of how I can shed some of my sins in my life. Then I think of Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. It is the same way I make myself physically fit and I want my soul to be fit in His eyes. Am I making sense?? Have a great day!
I love that song, Anita! I’ve never run to it, but I run faster when I listen to sermons! Go figure! And I completely understand what you’re saying. Of course U KNOW you and I are cut from the same quirky bolt of cloth, aren’t we??
Thank you, Susan–
You young mothers have an enormous job to alternately protect your children from society and to give them the Godly gifts to live in it and make a difference! Teaching your children the importance of the above 3 steps are certainly the way to raise Godly adults. Thank you for sharing at Getting Down With Jesus!
Thanks, Cindy! Parenting seems to get harder and harder with each generation. There is so much evil in this world, and we sometimes want to scoop everybody up and go into hiding! Of course that flies in the face of the Great Commission, so… probably not a good idea after all, huh?
I’m so glad you stopped by today. I love the community at GDWJ
Amen, amen.
Thanks, Denise. Blessings to you today!
“A faithful life is nothing more than a series of faithful days.” thanks for this encouragement to live what we believe!
Thanks, Christina. I’m especially thankful for the new mercies every morning
I love timing – ‘specially God’s timing!! We live in New Zealand, but our son is in New York. I had just spoken to him on Skype where he told me they were concerned that their three year old was spending too much time on TV so – no viewing Mon – Thurs. Then I read your article and can’t wait to be able to share it with him, to encourage him in his resolve. Is it possible to add the ability to share by Email your posts Susan? Have put it on Twitter so He will get it from there. Have just joined and find your website refreshing and a blessing, Thankyou.
I’m so glad you visited today, Barbara! And I’m honored that you want to share my post with your son. I’ll look for a good “share by email” option, but in the meantime you can always copy the link from the address line and email that. Here is the link for today’s post: http://susanstilwell.com/2012/07/legacy-strengthening-your-faith/
Thank you so much for your encouragement!
Your post is so encouraging to me. I’m glad to know I am not alone in my disgust of TV land. I have noticed that every time I switch channels to a sit-com within a couple of minutes there will be a sexual innuendo. I am old and I am (in the worlds eyes) a prude, but I’m only concerned about how God sees me. You said things better than I could.
Thanks, Mom. It’s hard to find much that’s worth anything. It’s why we watch so many sporting events
Love you!
You are so right… Not much to watch for sure. We turn off the satellite in the summer – put it on vacation hold as football and basketball are over. I do not miss it. We do get Netflix in the summer but this year I’m not even watching it much – In fact today is the most I’ve had the TV on. Alexys wanted to watch a cartoon
But even she got bored and preferred to play in the pool on the deck and with playdough… I prefer Jane Austen, Bronte and the classics when it comes to movies and a few Christian movies out there – far and few between but they are coming along more and more each year… Bless You!
Reading the classics is a MUCH better use time! When I have downtime, I find myself working crosswords and cryptoquotes. I’m also a sucker for sudokus and mahjong. We have so many better options than television.
Thanks for stopping by today, Kathleen!
Several years ago I adopted Phil 4:8 as a filter verse for everything I allow into my heart and mind and out of my mouth. Everything should be covered by one of those requirements. It has worked for many years, but I must admit, it’s getting harder and harder to be able to watch TV with that filter in place.
I’d rather go back to black and white and three channels…if we could leave this other stuff behind.
Thanks for the reminder.
I’m with you on the television thing, Vonda. I still remember a remark my cousin made when he first got cable: “When we had 3 channels, there was always something to watch. Now I have a hundred channels and there’s nothing to watch!” So true.
“The Phil 4:8 Filter” – love it! Sounds like a book title, or at least an article title
Thanks for stopping by today, Vonda.
Susan,
Great post! And great comments letting me know I’m not the only one out here trying to screen everything my kids see. It’s constant work, but these commenters encourage me – part of why we need the corporate worship and community study you describe above! Two things: what is the scripture verse from Leviticus that Celeste referred to regarding tattoos? I’m starting early and going with “your body is a temple of the holy spirit” approach (that covers a lot of issues), but I’d love to add another verse to my arsenal. Also, GREAT quote : a faithful life is a series of faithful days. I’m itching to hit a “click to tweet” button! You should add that function to your wonderful blog!
Thanks for stopping by, Julia! The verse is Leviticus 19:28, Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. It was a pagan ritual, and a big no-no.
Click to Tweet – I thought about it, but decided it would seem presumptuous. I guess I don’t consider myself all that quotable, although sometimes the Lord does give me something good! Maybe I’ll reconsider
In a world where truth is relative I cannot express how strongly I feel about truth. To strengthen my faith I stay in the Word, but I also read heresy to know what the nay-sayers are actually saying … I’m aware of the garbage so that I can combat it with truth. As a pastor’s wife its just not acceptable to stick your head under the covers and pretend all is well. We need to take our stand and then stand firm.
Visiting from SDG
So glad you stopped by today, Shelley. You’re so right about knowing the apostasy that’s out there. Case in point: Rob Bell’s book “Love Wins.”
Thanks for that reminder. Blessings to you!
I’m reading in Judges as well. Today, I talked about the same thing you just mentioned in my accountablity group. Our world today looks a lot like the world in Judges. Drawing closer to God is the only thing to do. Beautiful words. Thank you for linking up today.
Blessings~
Shari
Thanks, Shari. Always glad for you to drop by!
I’m catching up on my reading, Susan. This was a wonderful and challenging post. I studied Judges recently as well and it struck me that while Joshua was such a great leader, WHY did the people fall away so quickly when he died. The only conclusion I could arrive at was that they were riding coat tails. They hadn’t made the faith personal to them. I remember clearly the point in my own life when my faith became real and personal to me, though I’d been a Christian for many years prior to that. The legacy rests squarely on our shoulders – what we teach our children, the habits we instill in them, and helping them – to the extent we can – make their faith real and personal. That is easier said than done!
So glad to be included in your “catch up” file, Jeannette! You’re so right about “coat-tail faith” and I’m so troubled about seeing that in our culture. Hester’s post on Roots today made such a great point about having deep faith. There really is NO substitute, and the faith of our fathers will only take us so far. We have a great responsibility, especially as we see evil increasing.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting, Jeannette. Hope you have a great weekend!
Susan,
I LOVE the edification toward the importance of Corporate Worship. My husband is a “Worship Pastor” i.e. Music Pastor and we are always trying to open up the minds of our congregation to understand what “worship” actually is. It isn’t just music.
I love the Spurgeon quote so much, I think we should print it on the front of all of our church bulletins. Wouldn’t that be a great weekly reminder? “Welcome to blabla church! Remember, the minute you stepped foot in our door, we were less perfect! Enjoy the message!” That’d draw them in by the masses, eh?
Corporate Worship in the body of Christ gives us the grounds to work out of sanctification. We can fool ourselves into thinking that we’re super-holy when we live out our faith only in our bedroom with our nose in the Bible. We have to take what the Spirit is teaching us in the Bible, and live it out amongst our brothers and sisters and a dying world!
I am feeling my own post coming tomorrow morning for my own blog….Can I link to yours to add to it?
YES! I’d be honored to be linked up with you, Lindsey! Gosh you make a great point about how easy it is to be holy when we’re home alone with our nose in a Bible. SO TRUE. The rubber meets the road when we have to go out and get involved in the mess of LIFE. That’s when we see what we’re really made of!
And you’re right about the Spurgeon quote — it should probably scroll on a marquee
I’m so glad you stopped by today!
Your comment brought to mind a great quote I found earlier in the week. I tweeted it a couple of times:
“The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations.” Samuel Ullman
True, isn’t it?
I love your combination of relevant truth and insightful application of the Word. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Lisa. Looking forward to seeing you and the crew at More To Be!