Day 31

Do we really believe what we say we believe? Used as a litmus test, this question reveals what we truly believe by comparing what we profess with how we think and behave.

A politician may claim to believe in certain rights and promise to support specific legislation. Their voting record, however, is the most accurate indicator of what they truly believe and are, therefore, willing to fight for. What they claim to believe is not always reflected in how they vote. In repeated cycles of disobedience, the nation of Israel professed to believe God and promised to obey Him, only to rebel against Him again and again.

If our actions don’t match our words, we do not truly believe what we say we do. If you believe that placing your hand on a hot stove will burn you, causing great pain and harm to your body, your actions will reflect it. The same is true in our walk with God. Allow us to share an example from our lives:

We profess that living in agape love, having the unconditional and pure love of God for Him and others, is to be the primary goal of our lives. We also profess that, apart from the life of Christ flowing through us, we cannot do it.

Here’s the litmus test: If we really believe what we say we believe, our faith will be combined with actions. We will fight to believe. We will make time with Jesus our greatest priority. We will repent of our loveless thoughts and behaviors. We will ask Him to refine us so His love can flow through us. Coming to Jesus in this manner, we will believe:

“Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10).

As we believe God, we will receive:

“God pours out His Spirit and works miracles among you because you believe” (paraphrased from Galatians 3:5).

Do you really believe what you say you believe? We encourage you to take the litmus test.