There is an inseparable link between Christ-following and faith. According to Hebrews 11:1, 6; without faith, defined as being sure of what we hoped for, and certain of what we cannot see, it is impossible to please God. Therefore, understanding biblical faith is a pretty important topic for a follower of Christ.
What we believe is proven not only by what we say, but more importantly, by what we do. Our choices, behaviors, and attitudes verbalize our faith. I do not mean “verbalize” as in speaking, but rather turning our faith from a noun-type faith into a verb-type faith.
Here is a reality; verbalized faith can be either positive or negative. For many people who claim to know Christ as their personal Savior, the faith they choose to put into action is actually the lack of faith. They choose fear and comfort over trust and surrender. For the purpose of this article, I am only talking about verbalizing a positive faith that demonstrates obedience, love, and surrender.
Turning our noun-faith into a verb-faith sends a message to God. To God, it says we are sincere. It says we are willing to demonstrate our love for him by our obedience to him. It sends a message to God that says, “you can depend on me” to follow-through with the task you have assigned me. It says I want to partner with you to accomplish the plans you have for my life.
Turning our noun-faith into a verb-faith sends a message encouragement to other people. People are watching you. When you rise above conforming to the culture around you and chase after the heart of God, it will always encourage true followers of Christ. As an aside, it will also irritate religious people… I’m just saying.
Turning our noun-faith into a verb-faith even sends a message of hope to our own hearts. Making a choice to chase after the heart of God, even when you don’t feel like it, will transform your heart, and therefore, transform you. Don’t wait to you “feel like it”. Even when you don’t feel like it, making a choice to turn your noun-faith into a verbalize faith will result in renewing your hope and spiritual energy.
Turning our noun-faith into a verb-faith even sends a message of defeat to our giant. Choosing to override your fears and insecurity by demonstrating active obedience sends a message to the giant of your life that says, “I’m not stopping. I’m not giving up. I’m not going to be intimidated. I may fail, but I will get back up and keep coming.” Its just like the story of David and Goliath, David comes across the valley speaking to his giant. Our verbalized faith does the same thing.
The bottom line is that we will never rise to stay above our verbalized faith. As the saying goes, “whether you think you can or you can’t, either way, you are right”. You can experience warm fuzzy moments with God, but you will never be able to maintain a level of faith higher than the faith you are willing to prove through follow-through obedience. Turning your noun-faith into a verb-faith will release the power of God