Having Faith

In Hebrews 11:6a, the writer affirms, "without faith, it is impossible to please God..."  James, the brother of Jesus, wrote, "you believe, good, but even the demons believe..." (2:19).

Hmmm, what"s up with that?  Are we seeing dueling practical theology here?  Is the writer of the book of Hebrews and James clashing pens over the importance of embracing the Truth?

No, actually they are in agreement coming from different angles of embracing the Truth.  James is warning that to just believe, or have a mental assent to a the proposition that God exists, is weak.  In fact, so weak as to be called "dead or useless" (Jam 2:20), something even demons are up for. 

The writer of Hebrews goes on to say that "...we must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who seek after him" (11:6b).  There is a clear line drawn between belief and faith. Belief says that God exists and therefore could bless me, faith says that the Living God is and will bless me. 

Believing that God lives is an academic pursuit of religion.  Having faith in the Living God is an active pursuit of relationship.  The religion of demons includes God, but their relationship does not. They serve another, they have no expectation of God working on their behalf or through them. 

What about you?  Do you believe in God?  If so, that is a start. But do you trust in Him to bless you and to use you to bless others. Do you believe God can and will work in, on, through and for you?  Do you trust in Him, do you live in faith?

The Word says that "the righteous shall live by faith" (Rom 1:17).  So, tell me, are you really living?  Jus' Askn.