Fake it until you make it?

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CurtisHouse

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Do you think it’s possible, in your walk growing spiritually, to be able to fake it until you make it, as the saying goes? There are days when I feel invincible and my faith is absolutely bulletproof and, other days, my faith disappears entirely on a dime questioning everything I believe. Does anybody else do that, and, if so, do you try to fake it until you make it (such as trying to power through it and try to do what you would normally do if your faith meter was on full) getting back to that point when you believe in God again? In the middle of that again right now and just trying to get through this rough patch. Hope y’all had a good day.

Curtis
 
CurtisHouse said:
Do you think it’s possible, in your walk growing spiritually, to be able to fake it until you make it, as the saying goes? There are days when I feel invincible and my faith is absolutely bulletproof and, other days, my faith disappears entirely on a dime questioning everything I believe.
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Personally I’d be more worried about those bullet proof days. Pride, vanity, ego… be careful being puffed up about your faith. Thank God for those moments.

Secondly I prefer the term “imitate.” You’re not being false to yourself or God. You humbly acknowledge the truth. You’re not pretending you’re something you’re not, but grasping at a truth.
 
Don’t just act like your “faith meter” is full. Pray about it. I wouldn’t be too worried because feeling is not a good gauge for how close you are to God.
 
I get your point, though perhaps “persevere” might be the better term
 
CurtisHouse said:
Do you think it’s possible, in your walk growing spiritually, to be able to fake it until you make it, as the saying goes?
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I think this is part of the reason we are expected to do good deeds and ‘bear fruit’

Sometimes it feels like ‘faking it’ but it also opens a space for the Holy Spirit.
 
There is a spectacular quote from Bellarmine on this, about professing on the lips, etc.

And I recall a Baptist theology professor putting it as, “sometimes we rely on others to do our Believing” . . .
 
Many of the great saints described roller coasters of spiritual lives and spiritual advisors, based on these saints, advise very much this “fake it till you make it” strategy.
 
I think you just keep going and trust there will be better days if you’re struggling. Starting this year I’ve been going through the worst bout of spiritual darkness and aridity that I’ve possibly ever had in my life. I feel like I’ve been kicked down several flights of stairs, but I view it as just part of the journey. Your faith and your belief is ultimately a choice, not always done just because you feel like it. In my experience those feelings of consolation ebbs and flows.

I wish I had quotes on hand but more or less it’s my understanding that prayer and devotion during the arid times is actually more meritorious.
 
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I think you might want to look at another thread I was involved in. It’s called “The opposite of Protestant Justification is not Roman Catholicism but Eastern Christianity” (I can’t make the link work). The general consensus was that at least some Protestants and Catholics don’t disagree as much as it might seem.
 
I love the way St Paul advises having done everything to stand, then stand. It is not about feelings, those ebb and flow. God takes off the spiritual training wheels, the consolations, and tells us how to get ready for that (same passage from St Paul, we are to put on the armor of God and he details each piece).
 
Take some time out of your day and devote it to prayer. Tell Him everything that’s on your mind, everything that’s weighing you down. A lot of the time we only pray when we need something from God, but He is a good listener, too. He loves it when we rely solely on Him to get through the day. Just empty yourself of all that’s bothering you and the Lord will bless you for it. 🙂
 
Yeah that makes sense. Maybe not the best term, but yes, keep being faithful even when you doubt or don’t feel like it. I wish it was that easy!
 
I understand the concept behind “fake it etc…” but I think it’s worded poorly.
I think the point is to make the commitment to live your faith, and the experience of faith will follow.

For instance, if there is no joy, put a smile on your face for those you meet. Give them an experience of joy, and you will find it. Make the commitment to joy.

I like St John of the Cross here:
“If you find yourself in a place where there is no love, put love in, and you will draw love out”.
(Hope that’s accurate quote)
And you could apply that to any experience of desolation.
 
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