My husband has become an avid blogger. He posts every Sunday, and usually gets inspiration during the week, which promotes a great deal of discussion.
Last week we were discussing the difference between 'belief' and 'faith'. Is it enough just to believe? He gave an illustration of the guy who stood and stared at a chair, believing it would take his weight, and another man who simply sat in the chair, as he had faith.
What happened to the faithful and why did we become a body of believers? I thought about those who spread the 'good news' in Acts, and the letters that were written by Paul, Timothy, etc. We have become 'watered down'. Instead of being washed clean by baptism, it is as if we have been diluted.
Believing that something will happen is all well and good. Having belief is not a bad thing, but consider this; would you sit in the chair? Faith is the action! I believe the problem in todays society, and modern day congregations, is that we are not called to have faith, we are merely asked to 'Believe'. As a child, and as an adult, I have heard the question asked, 'Do you believe in Elohim?', (God/The Lord/Christ etc). People do not ask, as a matter of course, 'do you have faith in Elohim?' Do I believe in Elohim? Of course I do. Do I believe in magic? Well I have seen some pretty good magicians. However, I would not put my faith into a magician.
Merely believing is not enough. We are not called by Elohim to believe. I believe Elohim does not need us to believe he exists. He is the creator of the Universe, why should he be concerned. He could come and twist us around and turn us upside-down in a second or less. Faith goes much deeper.
Our discussion turned to the depth of faith. As I have mentioned, I listen to ministers on the TV and watch the audience. They get quite emotional and take in every word that is said. Do they believe everything in their life will be okay? They appear to be nodding and agreeing with the minister, but do they actually have faith? Believing is more an act of self will. 'I believe, I believe, I believe', does not give you the faith to sit in the chair. It lulls you into thinking you have done enough by believing. Believing Yahushua is your master is easy. Having faith that He will protect you is quite different.
Over the years, many people have told stories of healing and miraculous divine intervention. However, whilst many attend meetings where these wonderful events take place, as soon as they are suffering from an ailment, they immediately turn to medicine, be it alternative or conventional. 'Pray for my child, who has hurt her back....an appointment is booked for Monday, but that is three days away'. The belief that relief may be had is there, otherwise why ask for the prayer, but the faith that all will be restored is not, otherwise why make an appointment? As I have said before, how many pray for a car, a computer, any component? A tree, perhaps, that is dying, but essential to keep your yard cool. Messiah cursed a fig tree; he could surely have asked to make one bloom.
The watering down of disciples into believers has happened over time. Psalm 23, in my opinion, is the epitome of faith. Walking through the shadow of the valley of death, I fear no evil; You prepare a table in the midst of my enemies. Praying when you walk through a dark alley at night, hoping that no-one will jump out at you, do you quicken your pace, because although you believe He is there, do you really have faith that he will protect you. Unless He tells you to run, why do you feel the need to do so? We have all done it, I am sure, prayed during our hour of need, but taken precautions.
I would urge anyone who things 'outside the box', or is just looking for 'something that is missing' to read my husband's blog; 'http://versefortheweek.blogspot.com/
A good lesson for me. Thank you for reading. Grace and peace to all
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