At some point in their lives some people question certain things about their faith. 

That’s normal. It could happen for any number of reasons. Perhaps they experience some sort of suffering and wonder how (or if) God works in and through it. Perhaps they struggle with a moral issue. Perhaps someone has told them that certain beliefs are not reliable.

Questions can be good if we deal with them in a healthy way. 

First, as articulated by Tim Barnett and Alisa Childers, “When it comes to rethinking faith, the process matters.”* They provide an illustration involving two paintings. The Salvator Mundi was a work of art which was properly restored by an expert. In contrast, the Ecco Homo was “restored” by someone who didn’t do their work properly. As a result, the original beauty of the painting was lost, not recovered. (Just google ‘botched ecco homo painting’ to see what I mean.)

Second, foundational to dealing with questions—and to restoring a vital faith instead of destroying it—is remaining grounded in Scripture. Proverbs 30:5-6 provides us with both inspiration and a warning: “Every word of God is flawless… Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”

(I talk to Tim about this—and more—in an interview about his book. If you’re interested, you can link to it below.)

The point today is to not be afraid of questions or doubts. But when they come, remember that process matters. Seek the will of God, speak with faithful people, keep consistent with spiritual practices, and most certainly ground everything in the word of God.

The best way to stay healthy is to remain under the care of the Great Physician.

Since the word is God’s word, and since that word is always good, and since he loves us as his own children, let’s let his light shine not only in our hearts, but in our minds.

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Notes and extra content:

—NEW PODCAST INTERVIEW: “Deconstructing Christianity? – a talk with Tim Barnett.” Click here, or listen to The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan via your favourite podcasting platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

–This Sunday (June 23, 2024) at Westminster: Psalm 27. “The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

–*Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, And How To Respond (Carol Stream: Tyndale Elevate, 2023), 129.

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on June 24, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.