Many of my articles talk about aligning your life to your faith. This is known as living what you believe. Faith is not passive, it’s lived. Many people know Scripture but struggle to actually live it out consistently. Our culture, along with society, continue to make it difficult to live our faith. But James 2:17 reminds us, “So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (usccb.org)
Faith Begins in the Heart, but Doesn’t Stay There
You know that faith starts with belief, trust and surrender. Oftentimes you learn what to believe and then through experience and growth, you develop your own beliefs, even building on the ones you have been taught. God begins with our heart. Romans 10:10 reminds us, “For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.” (usccb.org) God shapes our heart first. Our transformation is revealed through our behavior. Remember that “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.“ (Hebrews 11:1, usccb.org)
Don’t be confused, our action does not earn salvation, it expresses it. Living as a true disciple helps to share our joy of salvation with others. It is also a living example of Jesus. Our living examples bring people closer to Jesus just as we are called to do. So when you have true faith, you live it and people see it.
When Belief Becomes Behavior
Luke 6:46,”Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command?“ (usccb.org) This scripture points out that often our actions are disconnected from our faith. When our belief becomes behavior, we know it. Most importantly, other people see it. They experience it. Our faith (our lack of) influences:
- Words we speak: When we have faith, we speak life by speaking hope, love, commitment and praise. We build people up instead of tearing them down. Kindness flows from our lips.
- Choices we make: Our faith shows in the choices we make. This includes what we choose to do, who we choose to follow as well as who we choose to be.
- Responses to conflict, fear and uncertainty: How we respond to conflict, fear and uncertainty reflects if we have faith. When we respond in hope, not panic, our faith shines brightly because we know God is good. When we treat conflict as an opportunity to show kindness and understanding instead of “getting our way at all costs,” it demonstrates we are following the example of Jesus.
It is in our small, daily decisions and not in grand gestures where our faith can be seen, Faith is lived regularly in the mundane details of life. In parking lots, on the highway, in the line at the grocery store and at work or school we demonstrate our faith (or lack of) without even realizing it. Sit with Matthew 7:24–25, “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.“ (usccb.org) Know that Jesus is our rock.
Living Out Faith in Everyday Life
Consider how you live out your faith in everyday life. As I write this, I am reminded where my actions and words have fallen short. The good news is that I can move forward in faith and so can you! Here are some areas you can consider:
Faith in Relationships
Relationships can be difficult. We are often the most raw with the people we are closest to, but they deserve to experience our faith as well. Consider choosing patience, forgiveness, humility and love with those closest to you, especially in times of conflict. Use Colossians 3:12–14 as your guide for relationships, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.“ (usccb.org)
Faith in Work and Calling
In our work and in our calling, we are often offered many opportunities to practice integrity, diligence and purpose, seen and unseen. Remember that we are not living our faith to get recognized or given credit for it. We do it for the Glory of God. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others,“ (usccb.org) Seize the opportunities to do the right thing, demonstrating integrity. Offer your work to God, carrying it out with diligence. Work for purpose, no matter your role. Treat people with dignity and respect in all situations just like Jesus did.
Faith in Challenges and Uncertainty
Trust. This is a word closely tied to our faith. When we have faith, we trust God when outcomes are unclear just as Proverbs 3:5–6 directs us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.“ (usccb.org) We need to carry out obedience without the full understanding of what is yet to come. Challenges and uncertainty often challenge our faith. I know it has done so for me. When facing these difficult times, stop and pray. Ask God what He wants you to do.
Obedience as an Act of Trust
Many people perceive the word obedience as something negative, for people who are weak. Obedience demonstrates strength. Obedience is a product of relationship, not rule-following. When we are obedient to God, it flows from love and confidence in His goodness and His love for us. John 14:15 shows this well, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.“ (usccb.org) This obedience translates into action.
We become doers of God’s word as we are instructed in James 1:22, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” (usccb.org) God has given us His instructions on how to live faithfully in the Ten Commandments, These guide us in living our faith. And faith grows stronger through action. Being obedient to these instructions is an act of trust.
Faith Is Lived One Choice at a Time
It is important to remember that life is a faith journey. Life isn’t a sprint. It is more like a marathon. Don’t be overwhelmed by the journey. Faithfulness is built through consistent and intentional steps. We are all flawed, but remain fabulous as God’s creations. Remember that we have been given instructions on how to live. Micah 6:8 reminds us of that, “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.“ (usccb.org)
When you are in doubt, open your Bible, read and pray. Talk to God. He honors willingness and does not require perfection. You have Free Will which means you have choices. Many choices. Galatians 6:9 guides us, “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.“ (usccb.org) Live one choice at a time, but do it for God.
Reflection Questions:
- Where is God inviting me to live out my faith more fully?
- Consider what belief you need to express through action this week?
- What actions can I take to move me in a faith-filled way?
Living What You Believe
Just as you were given life, you were called to shine your light for others. Matthew 5:16 tell us this plainly, “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.“ (usccb.org) Faith isn’t just something we hold, it’s something we walk and talk. When faith moves from the heart to the hands, it becomes a witness to God’s greatness. Always remember that living faith brings clarity, peace and purpose. How are you living what you believe?
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