I was recently told of a study in which the findings suggested that 22% of America’s population was leaving their faith. (I am not entirely sure what the phrase “leaving their faith” means, nor am I sure where that study is published though I have tried to find it.)

So I have been wrestling with the idea and here is my theory as to why that might be true: mediocre faith.

At this point I should say two things. 1. I am not a fan of mediocre faith, and yes, 2. I have spent time with mediocre faith and been completely satisfied in my lack of satisfaction… (Even after typing that, I am getting mad at myself and saying, “Oh, that is probably why I have been so disenchanted in the past…”)

You see, I think God is asking us to climb mount Everest.
Instead, we climb mount Sneffels (a mountain where I live, look it up – it is a cool place.)
Mount Sneffels is a great mountain. Beautiful views. Hard to climb.

It is no mount Everest. Trying to climb mount Everest has killed people. Wow! Bigger!

And there is the problem.

We climb mount Sneffels and expect a mount Everest experience.
Then, when we don’t loose our breath, we think the mountain top experience is a little boring.

We think every mountain top is the mountain top, but here is the truth: There is only one “tallest mountain”.

So of course 22% of people are tired of their faith. I am sure it is more than that. It should be more like 98%. I should be tired of my faith.

If your faith doesn’t steal the breath from you and cause you to have to train for years to get ready to top it…
If your faith doesn’t leave you exhausted…
If your faith doesn’t require a trainer that has been there…
If your faith doesn’t come pretty close to killing you… (actually, if your faith doesn’t FLAT OUT kill you…)
Then you are suffering from mediocre faith.

And that is not faith at all. That is religion.

Boring.

Lord Jesus, lend me the courage to be completely unsatisfied with faith that doesn’t lead me to the top of the tallest Mountain.

Then, let me be a guide to the top of the Mountain.

Amen.