Many storms have recently pummeled the Midwest section of the United States. Tornadoes and other windstorms have left untold millions of dollars of damage. The floods, mudslides, and strong winds have caused some to lose what they held for decades. Roads have been washed away, homes destroyed, individuals left stranded without shelter, electricity remained out for months in some areas, and even city water systems were obliterated.

A storm's impact is often felt for years after it occurs. However, today there is another type of storm brewing on a global scale, occurring daily. Although it progresses more gradual, it is not to be taken lightly. It's a spiritual storm known as "deconstruction."

Deconstruction represents the dismantling of one's spiritual beliefs. While a healthy deconstruction process may involve reassessing false teachings or flawed theological doctrines that have infiltrated one's faith, there is also an unhealthy deconstruction process that can lead a person to forsake the fundamental principles of the Christian faith in favor of a personalized "religion" that aligns with their subjective needs, preferences, or views of God.

Unlike the sudden inundation of floodwaters following a hurricane, this process typically begins slowly, often triggered by emotional wounds prompting individuals to question the truths they have been taught. Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett, authors of The Deconstruction of Christianity, describe deconstruction this way: “Faith deconstruction is a postmodern process of rethinking your faith without regarding Scripture as a standard.”

This article serves as a source of motivation and insight for those who have ventured down the path of unhealthy deconstruction only to find it unfulfilling. Recognizing that they may have strayed too far from essential truths, they begin to realize that the promised liberation, self-determination, and release from the confines of Christian faith have merely left them feeling empty.

Where does the journey to restoration commence? How does one piece everything back together? What constitutes authentic, scriptural faith in Christ, and what can we discard amidst the clutter?

#1 Rebuilding starts with evaluating the basis of our structure.

Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:47-49).

The foundation of the Christian faith is based on the teachings of Christ found in the Bible. Jesus utilized a vivid analogy to illustrate the consequences of forsaking His teachings and relying on unreliable beliefs to strengthen our faith. To restore our faith, we must heed His instructions: delve deep and establish a solid foundation.

In his correspondence with the believers in Corinth who were experiencing challenges with their faith and dedication, Paul emphasized that there is no other foundation that can be laid apart from Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 3:11). Subsequently, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul highlights the place where God reveals this foundational truth. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. (Ephesians 2:19-21).

The apostles and prophets are references to the Old Testament Scriptures, which foretold about Jesus (through the prophets), and the New Testament Scriptures (through the apostles) that disclose Jesus, including His birth, life, death, resurrection, and all the teachings concerning salvation and life in Christ. The entirety of the Scriptures points to and reveals the central foundation, Christ Jesus.

Genuine Christian faith commences with recognizing that the Scriptures are accurate, dependable, trustworthy, and authoritative. The Bible conveys the gospel, which is the joyful news of Jesus Christ. The initial step of our faith is to examine our hearts to verify if we are truly saved. Have we confessed and turned away from our sins, seeking God's forgiveness? Do we affirm that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to earth through a sinless virgin birth, lived a faultless, sinless life, and was crucified as an innocent atonement for the sins of the world? Do we have faith that God resurrected Him from the dead and that He is currently seated at the right hand of God's throne?

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10).

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5).

#2 Rebuilding requires removing the damaged elements.

When the team arrives to reconstruct a residence that has been damaged or destroyed by flooding, their first task is to tackle a significant cleanup. Volunteers are often called upon to perform a “mud out,” where they use shovels to remove any debris and objects that do not belong.

Rebuilding our faith involves evaluating falsehoods and relinquishing insignificant matters. Initially, any misbelief that goes against Scripture must be disregarded. This is often a reason why individuals may stray from their faith, as they may have let societal norms influence their beliefs instead of aligning with God’s perspective.

Alternatively, people may have wrongly assumed certain teachings based on others' interpretations without studying Scripture themselves. For instance, legalism may lead to the prohibition of certain practices not specified in the Bible.

Moreover, it is crucial to let go of past hurts. Many have experienced pain from the church or individuals claiming to be followers of Christ. Building faith should focus on Jesus Christ Himself, rather than the actions of His followers, as He is the dependable source of truth.

The key to discerning what to discard and what to retain is found in Scripture. God has preserved His Word to help us understand Him better. Through seeking truth, God will guide us in discerning what is essential for our faith journey.

#3 Rebuilding constrians a deliberate approach.

I know someone who has noted that there are individuals she refers to as "John 3:16 Christians." This well-known verse presents the gospel in its simplest form: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." The gospel is a gift, and it really is as straightforward as repenting, believing, and receiving — so straightforward that even a child can embrace faith.

Nevertheless, many Christians do not progress beyond the foundational gospel. They remain spiritually immature and lacking in biblical knowledge, possessing a frail faith that does not advance beyond the basics. They stick to the milk of the Word and continue to be like infants in their Christian walk (Hebrews 5:12-13).

To advance, we need to be "built up" in our faith. Peter describes us as "living stones" being constructed upon the cornerstone, Jesus (1 Peter 2:4-6). In a similar vein, Paul addressed the believers in Colossae on this topic:

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Once we have eliminated anything that does not align with true biblical faith, it is crucial to define the fundamental principles of our belief system. We need to scrutinize the Scriptures to understand its teachings on topics such as God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit, sin, creation, salvation, and the church. While these are only some of the fundamental aspects, it is essential to establish a firm and enduring faith by resolving our uncertainties and establishing a solid foundation in the core theology of Christianity. In moments of doubt or when societal norms challenge our beliefs, we can turn to the Scriptures for guidance and incorporate these insights into strengthening our reconstructed faith.

#4 Rebuilding necessitates for us to reside in the belief we are constructing.

How can you determine genuine belief? It goes beyond just stating or explaining it to others; it requires a willingness to act upon it. For instance, I may believe the parachute will safely land me, but my true belief is shown when I am ready to jump out of the plane.

To truly strengthen your faith, you must put it into practice. It cannot remain merely a concept; we have to apply it in our lives. Such practice involves obeying God's teachings even when they go against the norm, trusting His character even in times of confusion, dedicating time to study His word, and being accountable within a faith community that challenges us in our spiritual journey.

Many people will hopefully be able to restore their severely damaged homes after a hurricane. This process will require time, resources, and hard work to rebuild what was lost. However, it would be senseless to rebuild a house and not intend to live in it. Just as it is illogical to build a home and choose to live in a tent on the property, it is also illogical to understand true faith but refuse to fully embrace it.

Do not forsake the relationship that God wishes to have with you. Make a concerted effort to rebuild the shattered structure. Excavate deeply and establish a new foundation. Eliminate the rubble caused by life's challenges and actively work on strengthening your faith. Let your actions reflect your beliefs, as a sincere Christian faith rooted in Scripture will endure for eternity.