By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Bare Faith With Dr. Gladys Childs.

Have you ever paused to consider the cost of ‘going through the motions’ in your faith journey? What slips away when spiritual practices become performative rather than heartfelt? These poignant questions are at the heart of Dr. Gladys Childs’ latest discussion in the series, Bare Faith. Addressing the often-unspoken challenges of maintaining a meaningful spiritual life, Dr. Childs explores the hidden tolls of a faith that may look alive on the outside but feels empty on the inside.

Naming the Hidden Costs

In the episode, Dr. Childs encourages listeners to ‘count the wreckage in very specific terms.’ She highlights that the cost of going through the motions of faith doesn’t manifest all at once but rather reveals itself gradually over the years. Many of us might blame external factors like busy schedules or life’s unpredictability for the disconnect. However, the reality, as Dr. Childs illustrates, is often rooted in the slow erosion of our genuine connections with God and community.

Dr. Childs notes, ‘What has walked out the back door of our lives while we were busy doing faithfulness?’ It’s a poignant question that invites introspection on what we might have traded for a full calendar of religious activities. The episode stresses that unresolved grief in our spiritual lives can transform into resentment if not acknowledged and addressed.

The Impact on Our Children and Communities

Our performative faith doesn’t just affect us; it leaves an imprint on those around us, particularly our children. Dr. Childs paints a vivid picture of how children observe their parents’ faith practices and often learn that faith is a kind of performance. She states, ‘They’ve watched us pray over a meal while secretly checking our phones.’ This observation suggests that children might internalize a version of faith that is more about external appearances than a true relationship with God.

The episode also touches on how our spiritual malaise impacts our broader communities. Whether it’s leading a small group or interacting with friends in crisis, the authenticity—or lack thereof—of our faith resonates outward. Dr. Childs describes scenarios where people receive our ‘listening face’ rather than genuine engagement, highlighting the relational costs of a faith lived on autopilot.

Personal Stories and Scriptural Insights

Offering a personal anecdote, Dr. Childs recounts her own experience as a children’s minister, a role she was qualified for but not truly passionate about. She shares a moment of painful clarity on an Easter Sunday that led her to realize, ‘I don’t belong here.’ Her story serves as a powerful reminder of how our true selves can get lost in the roles we feel obligated to play.

The episode also draws parallels with the story of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15, focusing on the often-overlooked older brother. This character stayed home, followed the rules, and yet found himself standing outside the celebration, feeling disconnected. Dr. Childs uses this biblical narrative to illustrate the danger of maintaining the external shell of faith while losing the relational essence.

Giving Yourself Permission to Grieve and Repair

One of the episode’s crucial messages is the importance of acknowledging and grieving what has been lost. Dr. Childs emphasizes that understanding these costs is the first step toward genuine healing and reconnection. She explains that skipping this stage of grief can lead to deeper emotional and spiritual issues in the future.

The episode encourages listeners to seek out authentic conversations with God and others, moving beyond rehearsed scripts and performances. In doing so, it is possible to foster a more genuine and nourishing faith journey that resonates with who we truly are and how we want to connect with the divine.

Conclusion: A Call to Authentic Faith

Dr. Gladys Childs’ message in this episode of Bare Faith is a compelling invitation to examine the costs of a performative faith. By bringing hidden grief into the open and seeking authentic engagement, individuals can reclaim a more vibrant spiritual life. The conversation serves as a reminder that faith, at its core, is about genuine relationships—with God, our communities, and ourselves.

The full episode of Bare Faith With Dr. Gladys Childs is available on OBBM Network TV.