Belief, Faith, and Respect

Tribes are built on a foundation of three things. Belief is what the members of the tribe have in common. Whether they share a belief about religion, social issues, or what kind of ice cream they like. Belief is something that tribe members are passionate about. But belief alone will not hold up a tribe, it also requires faith.

By faith I mean that next step that belief takes that moves into action. Faith is all about action. Not just doing something to do something, but doing something that has purpose. In the case of the tribe that I am a member of, my belief in Jesus causes me to pursue a relationship with Him. I don’t just believe that I should have a relationship with Him, I am purposed to be intentional in that relationship. My faith in that relationship is not based on situations, but on the fact that I know He is ever present and ever pursuing relationship with me. But passion and purpose are not enough to hold up a tribe, it also requires respect.

Respect is that deepening part of a relationship that can only come through contact with other tribe members. True respect results from being willing to prefer other tribe members over self. Respect is not about selfishness, but instead about giving. If tribe members begin to function with respect for one another, you will see a tribe that is passionate, purposeful, and unstoppable. They can affect change by just being in existence. They will be a light shining in the darkness, and others who are on the fringes of society will be drawn in to find out how to be a part of that group.

That doesn’t mean that just because a tribe has belief, faith, and respect it will be something positive. Gangs are tribes that have all of those things among its members, even if they are a bit more volatile than most. Don’t assume that because you get together to share a common passion that you are making a positive impact. I have seen many a tribe do nothing more than be passionate about ripping others. I have even lead some of those tribes. When we do these things with others remember that we should guard our hearts, and keep our minds toward Christ in all things.