Blizzard Warning
I truly believe that being a Christian has less to do with what you think you believe and far more to do with how our beliefs shape our actual behaviors. For example: If I said to you, “There is an enormous blizzard headed our way,” you might agree with me saying, “Yes, I believe you are right.” If you truly did believe I was right you might run to the grocery store and pick up some extra staples, gas up your car, make sure you have heating oil/propane/firewood, etc. If you were merely agreeing to be agreeable you might go home and never once give a thought to the big flakes falling outside until it was too late. Belief, true belief, shapes our behavior and causes us to take paths and actions we would not otherwise undertake. You never have to ask anyone what they believe, just watch them long enough and you will know.
St Paul says, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:10-13)
Paul is clear that belief causes one to be justified (which means to be forgiven of sin and brought back into a good relationship with God) not good works. Of course he is equally clear that belief leads directly to action. If you believe a blizzard is coming you prep for snow, if you believe in Jesus Christ you take action…. but what action? I suppose that is as different as the individual. Everyone has different gifts and is called to use them differently. So instead of saying what we should be doing I will instead ask what are we doing as a result of our belief….and what do you feel like God wants you to be doing? Whatever it is, God has a plan for making it happen in your life even if you can’t imagine how, God can.
St Paul says, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:10-13)
Paul is clear that belief causes one to be justified (which means to be forgiven of sin and brought back into a good relationship with God) not good works. Of course he is equally clear that belief leads directly to action. If you believe a blizzard is coming you prep for snow, if you believe in Jesus Christ you take action…. but what action? I suppose that is as different as the individual. Everyone has different gifts and is called to use them differently. So instead of saying what we should be doing I will instead ask what are we doing as a result of our belief….and what do you feel like God wants you to be doing? Whatever it is, God has a plan for making it happen in your life even if you can’t imagine how, God can.
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