What is the opposite of faith?
At a recent Casey Prayer Breakfast in Melbourne’s south-east, World Vision’s Tim Costello explored this question through the lens of the recent NZ shooting. Doubt, according to Costello, is not an opposite but a “Siamese twin” of faith. Doubt wrestles with the same substance of faith exploring ways to grow through this journey. The Psalms, Costello pointed out, are full of “doubt” about how God is working in difficult situations.
In contrast, fear, he explains is the opposite of faith. A strong faith in God and belief in His goodness drives out fear. But when opposition towards Christianity increases or the world seems out of control some people respond with fear. They see it as a threat: a fight or flight response.
Costello explained that fear builds up walls to protect it from the perceived chaos. By contrast, faith builds on the certain promise that God’s purpose will prevail. Terrorism, or any “isms,” will not stop His plan.
The speech was part of the inaugural prayer breakfast held in the city of Casey. A full-house gathered from among the community’s politicians, emergency services personnel, churches and schools. Costello pointed to Psalm 133, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” as evidence of the importance of faith in building communities.
Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and Pastor
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover1.html
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