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A Fighting Faith

 


While I am a firm believer that a positive, optimistic mindset is a priceless asset, I am sometimes concerned when that idea is taken to extremes. I hear people talk from a Pollyanna-like perspective where they just think happy thoughts and expect everything to work out. It’s the “If I believe it, I can achieve it” mantra or the “speak it into existence” kind of thinking. I’m sorry, but I believe that is BS.

Only God can speak things into existence and I am pretty sure you ain’t Him. Also, I remember one night as a small child having a dream that I could fly. It was so realistic I really believed I could fly and wanted to test out my new powers so I jumped off the top bunk. And you know what? Gravity was stronger than my belief!

Faith is important. It is even vital to living an abundant life. But faith is not an escalator that we step on and it magically elevates us to where we want to be. Faith also requires fight. A fight for what you believe in. a fight for what matters in your life. A fight to bring those things to fruition. A fight against your own weakness shortcomings.

People claim faith and a belief that things will just magically work out, then they continue in their old habits and expect different results. Or they do nothing and anticipate progress. This is like a farmer who plants no seeds yet expects a great harvest because of his “faith.”

True faith always spurs action. James says, “Show me your deeds without action and I will show my faith by my actions.” Our actions betray our true beliefs. Faith without fight is futile and impotent.

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17


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