Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ
You may remember the old “Got Milk?” commercials. They were simple, sometimes funny, and always memorable—highlighting moments when someone desperately needed milk but didn’t have it. The ads weren’t just about the importance of milk; they made people think about how essential it was in everyday life.
Now imagine if we took that same approach to faith. What if instead of “Got Milk?,” we asked, “Got Faith?”—and more importantly, what are you doing with it?
For many, faith is deeply personal—something held close to the heart, nurtured in moments of solitude, and expressed in quiet prayers. But is faith meant to be passive? Or does it call us to something more?
In a world filled with challenges—poverty, division, and injustice—people often say, “Thoughts and prayers.” It’s a well-meaning sentiment, yet it risks becoming empty words without action. Passive faith acknowledges problems but stops short of engagement. It’s like seeing a neighbor in need and hoping someone else will help rather than stepping in ourselves. It allows us to care from a distance but keeps us from getting our hands dirty.
On the other hand, active faith moves beyond reflection and into participation. It recognizes that faith, regardless of tradition, is more than just belief—it’s a commitment to love, serve, and uplift others. It asks, “How can I make a difference?” and then does something about it.
Consider the simple act of kindness—volunteering at a shelter, advocating for fairness, or simply checking in on a lonely neighbor. These are not grand gestures that make headlines, but they are the heartbeat of an engaged community. They transform good intentions into real change.
Too often we assume that making a difference requires extraordinary resources, influence, or expertise. But history tells us otherwise. Some of the most significant movements for justice and compassion began with ordinary people choosing to act. Civil rights leaders didn’t wait for permission to march. Teachers and mentors didn’t wait for a perfect moment to invest in young lives. Medical workers didn’t hesitate when the pandemic struck. They stepped forward because they believed that faith—whether in God, humanity, or the possibility of a better world—demands more than passive hope.
Active faith also means listening, learning, and challenging the status quo. It means engaging with those who think differently, advocating for those who have no voice, and refusing to accept that things are the way they must always be. It’s about asking, “What kind of world do we want to leave behind?” and then working toward it, little by little, day by day.
We all have a choice: to hold faith in our hearts or let it shape our hands and feet as well. The world doesn’t need more silent hope—it needs people willing to step into the messiness of life and make things better.
So, the question isn’t whether you “Got Faith.” The question is: “What are you doing with it?”