Trait of the Month - Faith

Faith Overview

Finding Faith

While faith is commonly discussed in a religious context, it has a much broader application. Faith provides confidence and peace of mind as it bases decisions on sound principles.

Faith Begins With Belief

Contrary to some perceptions, faith must have logical basis in fact. It is not “blind” or “ignorant.” Faith first considers everything known about a matter. 

For example, airplanes are designed to fly. You can observe planes flying every day, you may have already ridden in a plane, you can see how planes are built, you can learn how planes have been tested, and you can talk to others who have flown in planes. This evidence gives you a basis to believe airplanes are a relatively safe means of transportation.

The same process can apply to other areas, including good character. The more you learn and experience good character, the more you can rely on those principles to guide you.

Faith Builds Confidence

No matter how much you discover about a subject, you will always encounter “unknowns.” Faith overcomes uncertainties by weighing what is known against what is not known. 

When you do not know how a business deal, a relationship, or a project may end, rely on what you do know—that actions rooted in truthfulness, diligence, sincerity, and loyalty will produce the best outcome possible.

Faith Leads to Action

The evidence of your faith lies in your actions. If you believe in the laws that make flight possible, you should have the confidence to step on board an airplane. If you believe in your business plan, you will implement it. If you have faith in good character, you will fearlessly do what is right!

As you base decisions on proven principles, you can confidently pursue the process before you, instead of trying to manipulate results. 

When you face a difficult decision, consider everything you know, observe, or have experienced; consult with others; determine what is right; and move forward

Belief in Action

In order to demonstrate the law of the pendulum, a student asked the professor to sit on an elevated chair against one side of the room. The student hung a rope from the ceiling and tied an anvil to the free end. Holding the anvil in front of the professor’s face, the student stated that the law of the pendulum and predicted that the anvil would not exceed the point where it started.

When the student released the anvil, it swung across the room and back, as predicted, to a point just short of where the professor’s face would have been—had he kept his seat.

By leaving the chair, the professor showed he did not actually believe what he taught. You may know the answers, but credibility comes as you act on your knowledge

Faith in Balance

Demonstrate Humility

Humility is “acknowledging that achievement results from the investment of others in my life.” Sometimes that “investment” comes in the form of correction. If you find your original ideas are flawed, demonstrate humility and change your course of action rather than stubbornly holding to wrong ideas.

Exercise Discernment

Discernment is “understanding the deeper reasons why things happen.” When a situation does not turn out the way you hoped, investigate why. Perhaps your information is incorrect or your process is flawed. Faith does not ignore problems; it discerns causes and looks for appropriate solutions.

Practice Endurance

Endurance is “the inward strength to withstand stress and do my best.” Few of history’s great inventors succeeded on their first attempt. Many endured ridicule, failure, and financial hardship as they pursued their dreams. Do not lose heart when your initial plans fail. Evaluate your ideas, refine your methods, and do your best.