Faith.....do you have it or do you not?

Faith is defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something, often strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. All of the world religions mention faith in some shape or form. I am going to talk about Christianity and Buddhism in this post. In Buddhism, there are three modes of nature. These modes (experiences in one's life) are according to one's level of understanding. The first is the mode of Mode of Goodness. The mode of Goodness is purer than the other modes and it is illuminating and it frees on from all sinful reactions. The second mode is the Mode of Passion. This mode is born of unlimited desires and longings, so it embodies the living person with material actions. Actions done in the mode of passion result in misery. The third mode is the Mode of Ignorance. In the Mode of Ignorance, there is delusion of all embodied living people. The results of this mode are foolishness. In Christianity, there are three main types of faith mentioned in the Bible. 1) No Faith (faithless), 2) Little Faith (weak faith), and 3) Great Faith (faithful). Each of these levels can be shown by man at different stages in their walk with God (or lack there of). When a person has little faith, they aren't believing in God, and therefore are relying on themselves or a false idol. They rely on their own minds to get things accomplished or to justify their actions and disbelief. When a person has weak faith, they have a small amount of faith in God, but they are still doubtful of the full ability that faith provides. And finally when a person has great faith, they are fulling relying on God to fulfill their wants and needs. They have no doubt whatsoever that God is and will continue to provide for them. In comparison, each of the Modes of Nature can be compared to the levels of faith. 

• Mode of Ignorance=No Faith (works of the "devil" or evil people) 
• Mode of Passion=Little Faith (works of the "flesh" or self) 
• Mode of Goodness=Great Faith (works of "Spirit" or God) 

The point I am bringing us too, is that each religion has they're own definitions or titles for faith, but they are in essence the same things. You must choose to have faith in God in order to receive the joy and happiness and enlightenment that comes with having faith. When you are in no faith and weak faith, you are miserable most of the time, because you have not surrendered yourself to the will of God. Faith requires one to completely surrender themselves to God and to follow God's plan or mission for their life. Christ had complete faith in God and so did Buddha. Even though Buddha didn't have a specific God that he worshiped, he still had faith. Faith that he could rise above the delusions of the world and he was able to reach nirvana. Without faith, Buddha would have given up before reaching that level of enlightenment. Faith defines our day to day lives, even if you don't realize that you are exercising faith. Faith is required when you get into your car and drive somewhere, you have faith that you won't get into a car accident. You have faith when you go to the grocery store and buy food. Faith that the food will be safe for your consumption. You have faith when raising your children, faith that they will take heed to what you have taught them when they are adults, faith that they are becoming good people. Faith is a light in each of our soul's that helps guide us and allows us to dream big dreams and believe that those dreams will be accomplished. When you look at yourself and your faith, what do you think of? Do you feel as though you are strong in the faith department or lacking faith? 

I'd love to hear your comments! Please comment, ask questions, interact with me! Have a blessed and glorious day!