OTHERS-focused: How we live in the Story.
Outward Facing — A healthy faith is deeply personal but not deeply private. It includes having an effective personal witness that can be shared so that others can see Jesus as work; living a life mission and sacrificial compassion for the sake of others; and being actively engaged as a follower of Jesus in the world, and in one’s immediate circles of influence.
Tenacity — A healthy faith will last for the long haul—it will “stick” throughout one’s life. Tenacity is like the glue that holds faith together, and it’s made up of two critical things: healthy spiritual habits and healthy spiritual community.
Holy Living — Both an experience of salvation (accepting Jesus’ gift of forgiveness of sin & choosing to follow him) AND an experience of sanctification (being made more like Jesus every day) are important to a healthy faith. This isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a commitment that is grown within, every single day, in obedience to the Holy Spirit’s work and guidance.
Engaged in Ministry — Both soaking in the truth of scripture AND living it out through real ministry experience are two sides of the same discipleship coin. Being equipped for, and entrusted with real ministry at every phase of the discipleship journey is essential for healthy faith development.
Responsibility — Having a healthy faith means being responsible to God for all he has given us and who he is making us to be. This means being a good steward of all God has given us. It means relating to and using authority in a way that reflects Jesus. It means making decisions in a godly way, and considering God’s will for my life ahead of my own personal ambitions, plans or goals.
(S)alvationism — While a healthy faith can be found in many places other than The Salvation Army, the denomination and “part” of the Body of Christ we’re a part of forms our setting for faith, and has incredible impact on our journey—and it matters. Our beliefs, values & behaviours are part of how we express our personal faith.
