It is a common expression – to take a leap of faith. Basically, it means to take action based on the belief that success is probable – not guaranteed, but probable. Despite the religious connotations, that leap of faith is probably the greatest roadblock to embracing Christianity.
Viewed through our lens of logic, we are forced to acknowledge the reality of our handicap.
When we decide to take that leap of faith it usually doesn’t involve anything of serious consequence. We might decide to pass that gas station, taking that leap of faith that we have enough fuel to get to the next station, but if we are wrong, the most we might expect is an inconvenience. We might leave home without an umbrella, fairly confident that it won’t rain. If we are wrong, big deal, we might get a little wet.
Now, let’s contrast those leaps of faith with actions based on knowledge and experience. Whereas faith is a belief and acceptance of something unseen or never experienced, first-hand knowledge involves an awareness of a projected outcome based on the memory of a personal experience or observation.
In other words – “been there, done that, and I can do it again.”
Faith is entirely different. True faith involves believing in something outside of personal experience, yet with the same confidence as something solidified in memory as having been accomplished.
Frankly, it is something not easily acquired. As human beings, we have built an immense mental catalog of what is and isn’t possible, and future beliefs are built upon the foundation of that catalog. A belief in something that has no precedent is a struggle for any of us, particularly in those who have built that catalog based on logic.
For most of us, that leap of faith, embracing the foundational concepts of Christianity, is both our greatest challenge and our greatest need. Perhaps this is why the text of Matthew 19:14 is an underappreciated gem in the Bible. “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”
Young children have not yet learned to doubt, have not yet learned to embrace logic, and so they are quick to believe. In their innocence, children believe without the filters that adults apply. And it is in that purity of faith that children set the example of that which we need to seek.
Perhaps to fully embrace Christianity, to finally take that leap of faith, we need to believe with the innocence and acceptance of children.
“… and a little child shall lead them.”