If we never take action on what we say we believe, we must wonder if we truly do believe. Imagine I told you I had just found out there was a million dollars buried in my back yard, and was sure of it. If I never took a shovel out back to find it, you would rightly question whether or not I really believed that…I’d be tearing up every inch of my yard if I was truly convinced I’d dig up a million!
The book of James tells us, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (2:15.)” The point is; if we believe something is true, we put action to it. Even our culture puts action to their beliefs, and their faith is in empty things! The world around us actively pursues things like money, sex, comfort and status, because that’s what they truly believe will make their life worth living.
Christians believe something very different from the world, right? Yes, we should. But statistics show and the people of the world know that the life of the average American Christian hardly looks different than that of the non-Christian. The scary thing is that while we say we believe in the truths of the bible, our lives often look like we believe the same way the world does.
Jesus told his followers not to store up stuff on earth for themselves, but instead, to store up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20.) How much energy and resources do we put into reaching souls compared to what we put into getting our houses, cars, and toys?
Jesus said that true life is found only in knowing Him and His Father (John 17:3.) Jesus is life (John 14:6) and invites us to draw near to Him. How much are we getting to know Him by reading His word and talking to Him? Do we really believe He can make our hearts feel more satisfied than all the entertainment we constantly seek?
Jesus said if we’re not willing to give Him everything, we cannot be His disciples (Luke 14:33.) What things in our lives do we keep back from God? Does God have the right to ask us to do anything for Him, to give up anything for Him? What if it means giving up our dreams, comfort for our families and pleasure? What if giving all your trust and life to God means the loss of your status? What if people view you as unsuccessful, foolish or stupid? God may ask different things from each of us, but is He the boss of our lives or not?
The Bible says that those who don’t know God and don’t obey the gospel will be punished with eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9.) It also says that it’s our job to take the gospel to them (Mark 16:15/2 Cor.5:19-20.) Are we active about speaking the gospel to a world full of people whose only hope of true life and heaven is found in our message? Are we willing to push through our fear and uncomfortablilty to see if those around us are open to receive the gospel?
Without a doubt the beliefs of a Christian are drastically different from the world, so our lives should also look different. Your life shows what you believe. If you have lived like me than you and I have every reason to feel convicted. Let’s not forget what God has done for us. Let’s not forget that our home is in heaven. Let’s put our trust in Jesus to the point of action. Let’s stop believing the fiction the world is living in. Let’s not forget the true Story.
We are not saved by the things we do, but by faith in Jesus. True faith in Jesus, however, should start showing up in the things we do.
Foolish Things' new album “Let’s Not Forget the Story” available July 18th in your local Christian bookstore. Check out more of their music and ministry on the web at www.foolishthings.com or www.myspace.com/foolishthings
