Do we believe the bible? I’m not asking do we believe that it is inerrant or that it is divinely inspired (which I do). But, do we believe it in our hearts? To the point that what Christ is saying, if we believe it (not just in ACKNOWLEDGEMENT), our lives will have to change. If we believe Jesus’ bold words, ALL OF THEM, somethings got to give in our lives. I mean, consider Jesus’ views on sacrifice in Mark 12:
“And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
He’s saying that sacrificing is not just giving what you are able to, but giving to the point that it hurts. This lady had close to nothing. And that close to nothing that she had, she gave. Sacrificial giving where you are no longer dependent on yourself, but God. Now, elsewhere Jesus says that whatver you ask in His name, you will receive. And we can know that when we pray according to His will, that it will be answered. So put all of this together. I know I should sacrifice. I know that in doing so, it makes me dependent on God. I know that He will never forsake me or leave me. I know that He is my Dad, my provider. I know that if I am in need, I can ask and He will provide. But….do I act? Do I give sacrificially. Regretfully, no. The question is WHY? We all KNOW this. But why don’t we act???? Because of disbelief. Not disbelief in inerrancy. Not disbelief in authority. But disbelief in the teachings, and ultimately, the One behind the teachings.
I think that’s why the dude in Mark 9:24 says “…I believe; help my unbelief!”
Lord, I do believe. But help my heart to believe.
A couple of weeks ago, one of our pastors said in his sermon, “The Christian life is a journey from distrust to trust.” (paraphrase).
So true. We should be seeing an increasing awareness of our dependency on Christ, and acting because of this awareness. A heart awareness.
Lord, help my unbelief.
