Living a faith-based life in a data-driven world …

In today’s data-driven world, we find ourselves constantly surrounded by information. Statistics, analytics, and empirical evidence dominate our decision-making processes. We track our steps with fitness apps, monitor our heart rates with smartwatches, rely on GPS for directions, and even use algorithms to determine the music we listen to and the shows we watch. From the news we consume to the personal decisions we make, data influences almost every aspect of our lives. While data can be incredibly beneficial and informative, there is a profound difference between living a life driven by data and living a life grounded in faith.

The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we live by believing and not by seeing.” In our contemporary context, this could be paraphrased as living by faith, not merely by data. How, then, can we navigate a world so heavily reliant on data while maintaining a faith-based life that honors God and follows His teachings?

THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH
Faith is the cornerstone of a Christian’s life. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith like this, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” This assurance doesn’t come from spreadsheets, algorithms, or scientific studies but from a deep, abiding trust in God and His promises.

Imagine Noah, a man who built an ark not because he saw data predicting a worldwide flood but because he had faith in God’s word. Genesis 6:13-14a recounts, “So God said to Noah, ‘I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth! Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out …'” Noah’s obedience was not data-driven but faith-driven, and it led to the preservation of life.

DATA V. FAITH: A MODERN-DAY DILEMMA
Consider the story of Peter walking on water. In Matthew 14:22-33, Peter sees Jesus walking on the sea and asks to join Him. Jesus calls Peter to step out of the boat and walk toward Him. At that moment, the data — how water works, the impossibility of walking on it — conflicted with the call of faith. Peter steps out and walks on the water, but as soon as he focuses on the storm (the data), he begins to sink. Jesus immediately reaches out to save him, saying, “You have so little faith. Why did you doubt me?” (Matthew 14:31). This story illustrates that while data and facts are part of our reality, our faith in Jesus, who is the Truth, enables us to rise above the limitations of our circumstances.

Jesus Christ is Himself the embodiment of truth. John 14:6 records, “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'” When worldly data conflicts with our faith, we must remember that Jesus is our ultimate truth. He emphasizes this in Matthew 7:24-27, where He speaks of building our lives on a solid foundation: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

SEEKING KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT
While we live by faith, the Bible also encourages us to seek knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” There is a harmony to be found between valuing data and living by faith. Data can inform us, but it should not be the foundation of our lives.

Consider the story of Daniel, a man of immense wisdom and knowledge. He studied the literature and language of the Babylonians and was found to be ten times more knowledgeable than all the magicians and enchanters in the kingdom (Daniel 1:20). Yet, Daniel’s life was not driven by this knowledge but by his unwavering faith in God. When faced with the choice to obey the king’s decree or remain faithful to God, Daniel chose faith, even when it meant being thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10-23).

A MODERN-DAY STORY
Samantha was a data analyst working for a major tech company. Her career was thriving, and her analytical skills were highly valued. When a new position opened up in another city with a significant pay increase, Samantha was excited but unsure. The data was clear: this new job was a fantastic opportunity with a higher salary, better benefits, and a chance to advance her career.

However, Samantha felt a tug on her heart. She had been deeply involved in her local church, leading Bible studies and discipling younger women in their faith. Moving would mean leaving behind her local church family and starting anew. As she prayed about the decision, she was reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Samantha decided to seek godly counsel. Her pastor and close friends prayed with her, encouraging her to trust God’s guidance over the appealing data. Despite the promising numbers, Samantha felt a profound peace in staying where she was, continuing her ministry and deepening her roots in her local church and community.

A few months later, the company offering the new job underwent a major restructuring, resulting in layoffs and financial instability. Had Samantha taken the job based solely on the data, she would have faced a very uncertain situation. Instead, by trusting in God’s guidance, she remained in a stable position, continuing to grow in her faith and impact her community.

LIVING BY FAITH IN A DATA-DRIVEN CULTURE
To live a faith-based life in a data-driven world, we must prioritize our relationship with God above all else (Mt. 6:33). Here are a few practical ways to achieve this:

Daily devotion and prayer. Make time every day to read the Bible and pray. This keeps us grounded in God’s truth and helps us discern how to use data wisely without letting it control our lives. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Seek godly wisdom. While data provides knowledge, wisdom comes from God. James 1:5 encourages us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” When faced with decisions, seek God’s wisdom through prayer and the counsel of mature Christians.

Trust in God’s providence. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Trust that God’s plans are good, even when data might suggest otherwise.

Focus on eternal truths. Data changes, but God’s word remains constant. Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Build your life on the unchanging truths of Scripture rather than the fluctuating information of the world.

Christian fellowship. Surround yourself with a family of believers who can encourage and challenge you to live by faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

In the end, it is faith that pleases God, as Hebrews 11:6 states, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” God doesn’t ask us to ignore data or facts but to commit to the truth that is Jesus Christ, integrating faith with our understanding of the world. This approach enables us to live full, rich, and enjoyable lives grounded in the ultimate truth of God’s word.

Scotty