In a hilarious and memorable scene from the iconic TV series “Seinfeld,” Kramer finds himself in a car dealership with a gung-ho salesman named Rick. During this encounter, Kramer boldly declares that he’s the one who makes car-buying decisions for his friend Jerry. What follows is an entertaining adventure as Kramer insists on taking the car for a test drive. Known for his unique quirks, Kramer puts the vehicle through a rigorous test – his daily routine, which typically involves driving on near-empty fuel tanks to avoid shelling out money for gas. With the needle on the gasoline gauge hovering precariously below the red line, Rick can’t contain his excitement. Instead of heading back to the dealership, they push the limits to see just how far they can go. The scene culminates in a comical turn of events when the car eventually sputters to a halt, entirely out of gas. In true Kramer fashion, he exits the vehicle and leaves without accepting Rick’s business card.
For us, it’s vital to recognize that we cannot solely rely on the spiritual heritage of our families to sustain us. While their foundation is invaluable, we must build our relationship with God. We all have different family backgrounds and traditions when it comes to faith. Some of us may have grown up in devout Christian households, while others may have had limited exposure to spirituality. Regardless of your upbringing, it is essential to understand that your faith journey is unique.
Ezekiel 18:20 reminds us, “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son.” This verse underscores the individual responsibility we have in our relationship with God. Our parents’ faith cannot substitute for our own.
While the spiritual foundation laid by our families is significant, it cannot replace a personal encounter with God. In Acts 17:27, we read, “that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.” Personal prayer, Bible study, and worship are all essential aspects of building a personal faith. We must actively seek to know God, just as He desires to be known by us. Remember the words of Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” To build a personal faith beyond the fumes of family belief, we must remain connected to Christ. This connection involves daily communication with God, regular Scripture study, and nurturing a heart of gratitude and worship. As we do these things, we become increasingly attuned to God’s guidance and presence.
The path to building a personal faith can be challenging, significantly, when it diverges from the beliefs of our family or the broader culture. However, Matthew 7:13-14 offers a word of caution and encouragement: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
It may not always be easy, but the reward of a deep and personal relationship with God is worth the effort. As you navigate these challenges, remember that your faith journey is a dynamic process, and it is all right to have questions, doubts, and struggles along the way.
Building a personal faith that goes beyond the fumes of family belief is a rewarding endeavor. While our family’s faith provides a foundation, it is our responsibility to seek God, nurture our relationship with Him, and face the challenges of a personal faith journey.
As we embark on this journey, let’s remember the words of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” With faith in God and a sincere desire to know Him personally, we can overcome the fumes of family belief and build a lasting and meaningful relationship with our Creator.
~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
Leave a comment