Tag: Root Systems

Faith is a very critical step in our spiritual development process. Faith is biblically defined as “being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see” (Heb 11:1). Scripture even pushes a little further a few verses later, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6). Faith, or the lack of it, is serious business to God.

Faith is also a gift of the Holy Spirit (Rom 12:6-8, 1 Cor 12:7-11, Phil 2:13) that fuelsthe immeasurably more power of God (Eph 3:20). Faith releases the power of God, just as the absence of faith forfeits the power of God. Let me repeat myself, “Faith, or the lack of it, is serious business with God”.

Faith grows out of three basic root systems. First, there are the “figurers”; they say, “I think”. Their faith tends to be based in, and limited by logic, experiences, and opinions, which sounds right, until you realize that God loves to do the impossible and the unlikely, so He alone gets the glory.

Since our ways and thoughts are not the same as God’s, people in the thinkers group, tend to be misled by doubt and fearful thinking. The problem with basing your faith on your thinking is that your thinking is flawed.

Second, there are the “feelers”; they say, “I feel”. Their faith tends to be based in, and limited by their own emotional roller coaster. If they feel positive, then all is right with the world, if they feel down, then all is wrong with the world.

Faith should not be based on our emotions. Emotions waver, but biblical faith is stable, steady, and unwavering. People who tend to base their faith on their feelings tend to be misled by those very same fickle emotions.

Then there are the “believers”; they say, “I believe God”. Believing God is not based on logic, or emotions. It is not based on our opinions, or our changing feelings. Faith that is rooted in believing God is based on the unchanging, unwavering, nature and character of God.

Our thinking will deceive us. Our emotions will deceive us. But faith that is rooted in the nature and character of God is stable and dependable. Hebrews 10:23 says it this way, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he who promised is faithful.”

Faith is God’s invitation to partner with Him. It is a tremendous gift (1 Cor 12:9). What we believe is proven not by what we say, but more so, by what we do. Biblical faith is active and powerful. Active faith releases the power of God, just as the absence of faith forfeits the power of God. Think that last sentence through for a few minutes today, there is tremendous truth contained in those eighteen words.