Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi

Lex Orandi - As we Worship

Lex Credendi - So we Believe

Lex Vivendi - So we Live

-----------------------------------------------------------

 This an old Latin maxim of the church, that really says a lot about our faith lives.

The funny thing is people read it left to right in order, and think that's it. So the default understanding is.... 

a - How we worship is how we believe, is how we live. 

But language isn't always one dimensional. In this case there are few more ways to gain a deeper understanding. Here's a few more.

b - How we worship, is how we live, is how we believe.

c - How we believe, is how we worship is how we live.

d - How we believe, is how we live is how we worship.

e - How we live, is how we worship, is how we believe.

f - How we live, is how we believe, is how we worship.

Note...For the basis of discussion I am equating faith with belief. In theological realm I know it bigger than that. But the two  are strongly intertwined.

The interesting thing is all of these variations are true.  They also debunk the false notion that one's faith life is private. Lets be clear, I am not saying that there isn't a private aspect to ones faith life, what I am saying is that a faith life, if it really exists, can not be completely private because ones faith (i.e. beliefs) define you in how you live and worship.

So this begs to question, is belief enough to save ones soul, or does it take more.

In the bible it says "(a)faith without works is dead."

If how we live is absent of what we believe then it can be argued that one's faith is dead. And if your faith is dead do you really believe. I think the answer is easily apparent. But in case you missed it then, then no your faith is dead, because you don't truly believe, because you don't live your life in faith.

Our goal is to live our faith in action, words, and deeds with courage, honor and truth so that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.

God be with you,

-C