Faith Transformation
We Christians like to say that we believe in Jesus Christ and it is natural for us to say, “I am a believer.” Jesus calls us to trust in Him completely. We are called to believe in Him so our soul is at ease. So, if we believe in Jesus Christ, then is this all we need to accomplish? If we believe, then do we need to go any further into scripture, or read the Bible, or continue to go to church and listen to sermons?
To answer this question, each of us needs to understand our basic motivation for learning about Christ. If our motivation is to merely justify our belief, then yes, it would make sense to stop learning about Christ. But beware of having this position because it justifies being content with a sedentary belief; a belief that may soon wither and fall away.
No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.
–Luke 11:33
In Luke 11:33, we learn that we’re not supposed to just learn about Christ. Christ calls all believers to move forward and to be engaged. In fact, it’s our belief in Christ that we draw strength to develop a will power to continue proclaiming Christ to the world. We are not to receive the light and keep the light covered; Christ calls us to take the light out into the world.
Consider why we enjoy listening to a favorite song of ours. We listen to the song for the simple enjoyment of hearing a song about something we already believe in. We enjoy the experience, the music, the artist’s voice, the words, and the sound of the instruments. And so it is to be the same with reading and discussing scripture; it is to be like a song to our ears. We are to hear the word of God for the enjoyment of hearing more about Christ, the one we Love. And just like a song we enjoy listening to, we seek out others to enjoy listening to the song with us; just as Christ calls us to do regarding Him. We passionately seek out others to share the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Why do we find a desire to serve those closest to us, such as our spouse, child, or good friend? Because we love them and we have an inherent desire to serve them, and so the same is to be with Christ.
We are to understand clearly and without doubt that Christ is a living entity who is with us today. And by knowing that Christ is alive, God will pull at the strings that lead to our heart which will compel our soul to serve Christ. We are to take our unseen faith in Christ and transform it into action by going out into the world for all to see.
As an encouragement to you, my belief affords me the enjoyment of writing about and sharing my experiences of God with others. I take what God shows me, and although I can’t grasp it all, I try my best to convey what I see and place it into words. This becomes my expression of service to our Lord, like a person who writes a song for someone they love. So hear the words of God, believe what is written, and make it a song to your ears. And through service to Him, you will receive more in return; a sense of peace will overcome you.
Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
–1 Corinthians 4:1-2
We know hearing the word of God leads one to faith, and faith leads one to becoming a believer in Christ; however, you are to go further. As a believer in Christ, you are to answer the call of Christ to become His servant. As you serve Christ, He is able to mold you into something more than you are today. Through serving, your faith becomes stronger and your willingness to serve will become even more profound. Therefore, we are not to refer to ourselves only as a believer in Christ, but instead, we are to refer to ourselves as a servant of Christ.
