Living out your faith

One of my biggest struggles has always been converting knowledge into application. I've written about this a few times, but it keeps coming up (so I guess I just gotta keep writing about it).

Engineering
The very definition of engineering ("the application of science and mathematics...") is one of application. We learn (often what appears to be useless) mathematics (give me one useful real-life application of linear algebra...or vector calculus...) and science...the concept of how components fit together and what theory to apply where...endless amounts of textbook reading and practice problems. I was told that 3A/B would be the hardest terms of my electrical undergraduate career. That wasn't quite right...

Fourth Year Design, where we are quite literally thrown into the fire, is one of the most difficult things I had to attempt in Engineering. Here, I had to dip into resources that I found on my own (first fray into journal articles), make assumptions and attempt to justify them...in fact, our FYD adviser told us that as long as we realize that 1) reality is not as straightforward as theory and 2) sensors are not ideal, we would've gotten alot out of FYD. I think we're doing pretty good. FYD is living proof that Murphy's law is true...

So even though I do decent at school (somehow...), the leap to application is nevertheless rather difficult.

Psychology
I could apply the same thing to psych. I enjoy psychology. I took both undergrad social psychology courses offered at Waterloo. It's one of the few textbooks I didn't mind reading. Yet, the people who interact with me on a regular basis will tell you that I could definitely use a bit more tact, and a bit less social awkwardness.

The other day, in the midst of a CCF event, I lashed out (spoke in a rather angry/serious tone and used some pretty harsh languages) at a friend, a Psychology major, because of some logistical issues. Being focused on the logistics, I wasn't thinking about interpersonal conflict resolution techniques or the fact she's stressed about running the event. Nor, I bet, she was thinking about my obvious narrow-minded focus on logistics and irrational comments. And so, even though we both had alot of theoretical psychology under our belts, the confrontation still ended badly (no worries, things are okay now). Theory didn't help all that much.

So...what's your point?
Don't get me wrong. I value knowledge. I think it's really important to learn about theories and to be able to explain things. I like learning about biology and physics. But knowing that insulin causes sugar uptake into cells does not help me with real life very much...unless I'm helping a Type 1 diabetic administering his insulin shots. Knowing that epinephrine will cause vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels) isn't very useful either...unless I'm helping someone find his Epipen.

Living your faith
UWCCF's theme revolves around living out my faith. What does that really mean? It means that, at some point, reading commentaries and listening to sermons doesn't cut it. The other day, I was listening to Mark Driscoll talk about the necessity for discipline and reading John MacArthur write about the origin of pain and evil. Yes, God disciplines His children and has greater purposes than we can imagine...but I can promise you that if you said "God is sovereign" to a Christan who just lost his dad to cancer, you're not helping . You'll be taken aside and lectured about being insensitive.

But...my theory tells me that "the truth set you free"...

And yes. Yes it does. But we're called to be loving as well. Belittling one's pain with a strong-arm answer is not very loving. Offer your prayer. Say that you're sorry. And stop there. Because "God needed him more than you did" is a very poor thing to say to a grieving person, no matter how close that is to the truth.

The importance of reading the Word, listening to sermons and partaking in discussions cannot be understated (this is coming from a guy that listens to sermons as he walks to school. haha). But what I am given is useless if I'm not bringing the good news (or, teaching...*hint hint* to all you potential bible study leaders out there). To bind up the brokenhearted (Caring ministry, anyone?). In spirit and in truth. To set the captives free (and of course, outreach).

It's difficult, because it means I need to get deeper than "yo, what's up" with the people I see everyday. Or to admit that I don't know everything, and must look up and learn. Or to question people when they walk by on Clubs day, when they say "oh, I'm not religious". It means I'm not number one. It means I must learn (and re-learn) to be humble. It means I need to pray more.

Because living out your faith isn't just about reading and thinking. Nor is it only about being considerate and a nice guy. In order to live out one's faith, one must understand the multidimensionalness of Christianity. The full extent of what we're called to do. To seek discipleship. And to bring others to seek discipleship. And to bring Him glory.