God-loving / God-fearing

What is our religion? Why do we follow it? What makes us follow what we follow?

There lie multiple questions yet ‘mostly’ the answer remains the same- We all were born in our religion.

True!

There we were, little innocents, having no idea of the world, beginning to learn about the religion we were born in, about the society and culture we were born in. To elders, it looked cute-kids acting like offering namaz and trying to maintain balance with their little feet and hands held against their chest or kids folding hands in front of an idol and murmuring something to themselves trying to imitate their parents standing on their side. To the parents, all this gave them a sense of being connected to their roots, hence making them proud.

We followed what our parents taught us, what the elders taught us and what our scholars taught us. Our questions were thought of as silly and were laughed off. After a point, even that was discouraged saying ‘religion is not a topic for debate’.

“Faith is in believing what you haven’t seen”, we were told. I don’t disagree but I have questions. Many questions.

What is faith?

What does it take to have complete faith in God?

And when you do have faith, what does it feel like to have it?

Now let’s deviate a bit and think what builds faith.

If I try to think of something simple and relatable, here’s what that comes in my mind- The time when we were born, everything was new and strange to us, be it our parents or our siblings. We were nothing but naive. But then slowly we started to notice and acknowledge the people around us- how they loved us, how they protected us and there we began to love them back and started to trust them. And this is how we developed faith in them.

Don’t you agree?

It is the trials and tribulations that build trust and lead to stronger bonds. So it happens with family, friends and so it should happen with God too.

But sadly, when it comes to religion, any sort of question or disagreement against a practice is highly disregarded. Aren’t the trials and tribulations that we face in life, responsible for building a stronger faith in God?

Which gives rise to another question in my head-

How open are we as humans? How much do we understand God?

I believe religion and faith are two very different concepts. Where the former revolves more around the common practices in a particular religion, the latter is a very personal thing. Here nothing comes between you and God, no rituals, no teachings, but just a direct connection, an open channel to communicate, share and ask.

While religion makes you God-fearing, faith makes you God-loving.

So, think about it-

Why do we have to fear God and then do good deeds, why can’t we instead love God? Wouldn’t that make him happier? Do we really think we can outsmart God when we try to be politically correct in our actions and words but our intentions are not straightforward and noble?

Can we cheat God? Wouldn’t he know when we just pretend to cry when asking something from him instead of asking from the heart?

So, I believe if we badmouth about others or don’t feel grateful about what we have, just praying for the sake of praying or to attain peace after this life, wouldn’t save us, because God knows what lies within us.

I’m sure nobody can ignore the fact that how big hypocrites we humans are. We have a liking for dislikes. We don’t like homosexuality, inter-religion marriages, LGBT people, well because we are way too religious and God-fearing. But hey! Are we not missing a ‘big’ point here? We are challenging God’s creations, his plans, judging others, then what makes us God-fearing?

Acceptance people! Acceptance is the key here. If we cannot accept and appreciate the things around us, then tell me, do you even believe in God?

Trusting God with something, and then completely relying on him, is faith. Faith is what gives us peace, makes us compassionate, accepting and happy. And in this world and times, we need more of such people.

So, let me tell you, I did not develop faith in God the moment I came into this world. My religion must have been already defined but my faith was developed slowly, over the years, gradually, as I went through many situations. And this strong faith has led me to what I have become and what I want to become more of- God-loving.

And this is my religion.

I believe in loving God than only being afraid of him.

So what sort of a believer are you- God-loving or God-fearing?

Don’t tell me, just ask yourselves!

:)