Why Do You Believe in a Higher Power?

What is the reason you believe as you do? Is it because of what you've been taught? Is it an experience or something you witnessed that you can't explain? A Dream? A near death experience? Fear of Dying?

Could it be that we want to believe in something because we're afraid of dying, or is the fact that we're aware of our own mortality actually a gift from our Creator, in order for us to find our purpose in this world?

From my own experience, it's a little of everything. There have been things I can't explain, situations I don't know how I made it through, and a fear of the unknown. It seems the older I get, the more I fear the unknown.

Are You Thankful When Things Are Good?

It's easy to take things for granted when we have everything we need. When times are tough, and supplies are limited, that's usually when we become more appreciative of the little things.

Many people tend to find themselves searching for meaning and seeking answers to spiritual questions during tough times in their lives. Perhaps this is the reason we are put through these trials. To evaluate the decisions and desires in our lives.

It sounds so cliche, but take time to find something to be thankful for everyday. Sometimes it can be something as simple as having toilet paper in your bathroom. It may not seem like a big deal, but when you really need it and you look around thinking you're out, and then find your last roll...trust me, you'll be thankful!

Tradition vs Scripture

Do your beliefs come from the traditions that have been handed down to you from your family, or do they come from your personal research into religious customs and beliefs. Many of us grow up doing as our family instructs, and we never question the origin of these traditions. If you were to discover that the traditions you hold dear are against scripture, or come from questionable origins, would you continue those traditions and pass them down to your own children? Would you be willing to give them up even at the cost of alienating your own family members?

Is this an instance where ignorance is bliss, and we don't want to find the true origins of many man-made traditions because we are afraid we might find out that they're not what we thought, and we don't really want to give them up. Are we strong enough to stand up for what's right, even if it's not what's popular?

Are We Willing To Keep Learning?

"I've been doing it this way all my life." That's what many people say when you try to share something you've learned with them. "Keep praying about it, you'll find the answers". That's another one I hear when you don't agree with someone. People say that we need to keep an open mind, but it seems that what some people really mean is you need to keep an open mind until you see things their way. Does being long suffering mean that they are willing to suffer through the fact that you are being led astray, while they are being led by the true spirit?

Why Are There Differences in Beliefs

There are countless numbers of 'religious' denominations. If many of them are reading from the same book, why are there so many variations of 'the truth'. Many groups teach that if you don't adhere to their teachings, then you have been led astray, perhaps by a demonic influence. If we are all created by the same being, why are there so many differences in beliefs in how we are to serve him, and why is not clearer. Many people believe with all their heart, soul, and might they are living as the spirit leads them, so who are we to judge what spirit they are being led by.