The Impact of Blind Faith and the Importance of Personal Revelation
Belief in a higher power can have profound and sometimes negative effects on individuals, especially during formative years. My own experience after my uncle's tragic passing taught me that blind faith, without personal revelation, can result in a heavy burden of guilt that can last a lifetime.
My Journey of Guilt and Redemption
At the young age of 12, I experienced the pain of religious guilt first hand. Tragically, my uncle passed away in a road accident, which left me feeling terribly guilty. I believed that the incident was a form of God's punishment for my disobedience, despite being miles away from the scene of the accident. It took me approximately three years to overcome this sense of guilt, a period that is unimaginable for any young mind.
During this time, I also felt guilty whenever my parents argued, convinced that it was God punishing me. My religious upbringing instilled in me, and countless others, the belief that we do not deserve love, care, or good friends if we are not obedient. Furthermore, the confusion about my sexuality during this time added to the negative thoughts I harbored.
The Pursuit of Personal Truth and Redemption
Looking back, I realize that these negative emotions were a direct result of the religious beliefs I was raised with. While I want to emphasize that I am not the only person who has experienced such sentiments, it is crucial to understand that these feelings are not inevitable. It is important for individuals, especially children, to not feel guilty for factors beyond their control.
Truth About Belief and Guilt
It is disheartening to learn about the jealousies and attacks on faith that can come from those who lack it. The actions of figures like Hitler, who filmed himself and his generals worshipping the devil, highlight the envy of those who do not experience the pure love and connections that true faith can bring.
Blind faith often leads to harmful beliefs that one might impose on themselves without personal revelation. The Bible instructs on the importance of hearing from God and not relying solely on written promises as a guide for personal conduct.
The Role of Divine Communication in Faith
According to Colossians 2:23, the Bible warns against the hypocrisy of those who practice faith without personal experience. True faith comes from hearing and understanding the voice of God, not just reading about his words. In Romans 10:17, it is stated, 'So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.' Romans 10:17
‘So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.’ - Romans 10:17, New King James Version
In Matthew 4:4, Jesus emphasizes the importance of contemporary revelation over past assurances: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matthew 4:4
‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ - Matthew 4:4, New International Version
Blind faith can lead individuals to assume that promises in the Bible are meant for them without any personal revelation. This can result in a form of faith that is more dangerous than beneficial. Personal revelation ensures that believers receive direct communication from God, ensuring that they live by today's promises, not yesterday's manna.
The Significance of Heeding God's Voice
Heeding God's voice is crucial in maintaining a healthy and meaningful faith. The Bible instructs believers to not assume that God will grant the same blessings as those written in scripture without personal communication. True faith, as prescribed by scripture, comes through personal interaction with God, not just the words written in ancient texts.
My experience has taught me that it is essential to embrace a faith based on personal revelation. Moving forward, my hope is to inspire others to seek a deeper understanding of God's voice and to reject the harmful effects of blind faith.
Consider this: do you hear from God today? Do you wait for God's voice to guide your path, or do you rely on your own interpretation of scripture?