Move from Believing to Faith
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:17, KJV)
Scripture tells us that true biblical faith has two inseparable parts: believing and actions. Believing in the heart without works is dead faith, and action without believing in the heart is emptiness. Let’s unravel the different dimensions of this truth.
The two parts of faith mirror the two operational components of our being—the inward man (the heart) and the outward man (the body with our words and actions). Faith begins with the heart, as Paul says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10, KJV)
Believing is the conviction in our hearts, the inner persuasion that God’s Word is true. But scripture reveals very clearly that what we do outwardly is a natural, spontaneous expression of what we truly believe inside. Faith is the lifestyle that results from our convictions about God’s Word. That means when what we believe about God starts controlling how we feel, think, act, and speak, we live in faith.
There is no faith without believing in the heart, yet believing in the heart is meant to be the foundation of faith. Our lives are built on that hidden foundation, and the visible structure of our lives is how we live.
The primary purpose of believing is not just believing but living. That is how God made us to function as human beings. Our outward behaviors are controlled by what we think, how we feel, and the things we desire. This is true of everything about human life, whether in spiritual matters or not. The outward man is a reflection of the inward man. That is why we can know people by their fruit (words and actions). Furthermore, God Himself is more concerned about the thoughts, feelings, and motivations that produce the actions of our lives than those actions themselves. He looks at people’s hearts and not their outward appearance.
Of course, as human beings, we have developed a system of deception in which we can intentionally modify our words and actions to reflect something that is not in our hearts. This is hypocrisy or pretense, but it usually does not last long.
In conclusion, the Lord wants us as believers to pay attention to both aspects of faith: first, believe in our hearts, and then move from just believing to allowing those convictions to control our outward daily lives.
Meditate
How deeply are your convictions in life rooted in God’s Word? Do you truly believe what He says about your relationship with Him, health, money, family, ministry, etc.? And are those convictions controlling how you are acting every day?
Apply the Word
Remember, believing without living is dead faith, but acting or speaking without believing in the heart is emptiness. Do not be content to only believe God’s Word. Allow that conviction to show up in how you live today.
Pray
Ask the Father to help you be a man or woman of action, believing His Word and acting upon it.
Recommended Read
- The Three-Tier Pyramid of Believing
- What Is The Difference Between Believing And Faith?
- Faith Mimics: Looks Like Faith, But It’s Not
- When Jesus Saw Their Faith
- How the Spirit Produces Faith in Our Hearts
- View all Deshen Daily Devotionals
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