There are many today who say they believe in God but their lifestyles suggest otherwise.  My purpose for this writing is not to judge, nor to discourage, but to encourage each of us to put our faith into action, to pursue Jesus with all our heart, mind and strength.

EVEN DEVILS BELIEVE

James wrote that “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).  Earlier he said: “You believe that there is one God.  Good!  Even the demons believe that––and shudder” (James 2:19).  The same Greek word for believe (pisteuo) is used in both instances.  Interestingly, the demons’ belief goes beyond mere intellectual assent.  They shudder.  They know that God is who He says He is, and because of that belief they tremble at the implications of it.  They know that their time is short, that one day they’ll be judged and cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:10).  Because of their belief they’re enraged, and work all the harder to thwart God’s plans (Rev 12:12). 

I don’t care two hoots about the fate of devils; I care about those who may believe that they are right with God, but in fact are not genuine believers at all.  Paul says:

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you––unless, of course, you fail the test?” (1 Cor 13:5). 

NOT ALL BELIEF IS GENUINE

There are many who have a creedal understanding of the “gospel;” that is, they believe the gospel to be true, they believe the Bible to be true––the Word of God.  But that’s as far as it goes.  There is no outworking of genuine faith or commitment to their belief.  They may go to church on Sundays and holy days, thinking that this somehow earn points in their account.  It doesn’t.  Their “faith” is dead.  Again, Paul says:

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed––not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence––continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Phil 2:12). 

Genuine belief calls one to action.  It takes hold of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.  It takes up its cross and follows Jesus in resurrection power, working to advance His kingdom on earth. 

THE GREAT BLONDIN

To illustrate the difference between intellectually believing something to be true and committing to that belief, consider the true story of Jean Francois Gravelet––the Great Blondin (1824-1897).

Blondin (so called because of his blonde hair) was a French tightrope walker who did most of his amazing stunts during the 19th Century.  One of his most famous stunts occurred on June 30, 1859, when Blondin stretched a 3 inch cable wire 1100 feet across Niagara Falls, 160 feet above the turbulent waters below.

Before huge crowds of amazed onlookers he crossed the gorge not once but on many occasions, sometimes stopping mid-way to cook meals, or to lie down.  Sometimes he crossed blindfolded, on stilts, and he even pushed a wheelbarrow across loaded with sacks of grain!  Then on one occasion he asked the crowd if they believed that he could carry a man across on his back.

The crowd roared “Yes!”  So he asked for a volunteer.  Silence!  Even though the crowd believed he could do it, not one person volunteered.  Finally, Blondin asked his manager, a man by the name of Harry Colcord, to ride on his back, which he did.

WHAT’S THE POINT?

Though the crowd believed that Blondin could do the incredible stunt, none of them but his manager exercised faith in him.  Their belief amounted to nothing.  It produced no works.  Their faith was dead.   

Although we are saved by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9)––and let there be no quibbling about that––genuine faith, the kind of faith that pleases God is a working faith.  It will produce good works, works that will be seen by men who will then glorify God because of them (Matt 5:16).  Genuine faith trusts God’s Word and His promises; it produces love for both God and man.  It is obedient, consecrated to holiness.  It seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  It is a faith that shines in the darkness, a faith that produces a life that is winsome, salty, and effective.  It’s a faith that seeks to reproduce itself in the lives of others. 

Genuine faith moves forward when everyone else stands still.  It sees the unseen and moves mountains.  When others fall back or compromise with culture, it follows Jesus first and last.

Onward and Upward!