Being Active

It is my intent to put up a mini discussional/devotional each day of Lent. But, I may fall of that pace. I'd ask anyone who reads this to keep me accountable to it, however. Lent is a time for us to reflect and grow, and I feel that with each day bringing a new discussional/devotional and a prayer combining our program theme and Lent we can accomplish each of those in a better way. If you have a discussional/devotional for Lent that you'd like me to include, send it to me via e-mail at vicepresident@sigmatheta.org

Today's Discussional comes via Shannon Wagers, National Pledgemaster

Active Faith

Faith. What is exactly is faith?

Faith is the evidence of things hoped for. Faith without works is dead. We hear lots of things on faith. O’ ye of little faith, you got to have faith; even songs includes faith in the title or lyrics.

 Faithfully – Journey
 Faith – George Michael
 If I ever lose my Faith – Sting

(By now you know that the author grew up in the 1980’s)

Sigma Theta Epsilon is a fraternity that the heart of its purpose is to refine Christian Men in the service of Christ’s Kingdom. It is a place to grow in your faith and to extend your faith beyond its current boundaries. Take this time to discuss a time or event in your own life where your faith grew beyond its boundaries.

Let’s take a look at how God has taken men from all walks of life to grow their faith into Active Faith for the furthering of His kingdom, specifically in Luke’s Gospel, Chapter Five.

The first episode involves the calling of the disciples. God called them from all walks of life, much like a pledge class. Peter was on the Sea of Galilee (Lake of Gennesaret) going about hiss daily business as a fisherman, only to have an encounter with the Son of God. (Read Luke 5:1-11). What was the step(s) of faith taken by Peter? How is the calling of Peter similar to your calling to pledge Sigma Theta Epsilon, and what step(s) of faith are you taking?

Let’s take another look at another of Jesus’ interactions near Galilee. We see here a man that is able to step beyond the boundaries of his faith and reach out to the blessing that Christ has for him. (Read Luke 5:12-16) Growth only truly occurs when willing to take the step of faith outside our comfort zone. “Leap of faith without a net, makes want to hedge our bet, but waters never part until our feet get wet.”(Lyrics from Beyond Belief by Christian Rock Band Petra) Two thirds of the word promotion is “motion.” That requires activity – active faith. As you are embarking on becoming an active brother of Sigma Theta Epsilon, consider what the word active means. How as an active brother can you effectively further the vision, purpose and principles of Sigma Theta Epsilon?

One last example as we look once again in the Gospel of Luke is the healing of a paralytic. Interestingly it involves a group of men and their faith, sound familiar? (Read Luke 5:17-26) We see here an outstanding example of a group of men exercising active faith. They overcame obstacles and challenge to accomplish their goal. What challenges have you faced as you have pledged Sigma Theta Epsilon? What challenges and obstacles to envision to the future.

As you continue your journey in Sigma Theta Epsilon you may face challenges and obstacles. Your faith will be challenged and you may pushed to go outside of you comfort zone. One reaps what one sows; growth of your faith will only occur if you allow yourselves to be challenged in your endeavors in your Christian walk; that is active faith.

Join me in the following prayer:

Sovereign Lord,

Thank you for calling me
To a life of faith

Thank you for providing
A guidebook for my faith

Thank you for giving me a reason
To trust and have faith

Help my faith to be active
Help my faith to grow

Bring me to atonement
Bring me to you
Bring me to love

Amen