Warning: Contains spoilers for the movie “ Do You Believe”
In the movie, “Do You Believe” Elena’s husband, an EMT officer named Bobby, is sued for converting a dying man to Christianity. When the Union refuses to represent Bobby in the court case unless he apologises for his actions, Elena and Bobby are forced to pay to hire a lawyer by themselves. Doing so will require a 20 000 dollar retainer. But Bobby and Elena don’t have that kind of money.
In an argument one evening Elena asks Bobby where he thinks they’re going to get the money. Bobby replies that he doesn’t know, but he trusts God will provide a way. Elena’s answer to his reply is “Bobby, we’re not in church.”
I have watched “Do You Believe” several times now but that is the one line that has remained with me. This is because I believe that Elena’s response to her husband’s declaration of faith reflects what a quite a number of people believe when it comes to God.
God Has Been Left in Church
Too many people, just like Elena in “Do You Believe”, have left God in church. They believe that God is someone they only talk about when their sitting in the pews or attending church online.
When it’s church time they are ready to talk about faith and God’s provision. But when it comes to “real life”, such talk doesn’t have a place. God doesn’t have a place.
He doesn’t belong in their work place or in their finances. He doesn’t fit in their busy daily schedule or even in their home. The only time that they would even consider praying to Him is at church or when they are faced with a problem. And sometimes not even then.
But that’s not how it’s supposed to be. God doesn’t belong in church. He doesn’t even live there. God lives and dwells and abides within us. (John 14:20) So that means we need to include Him in every part of our lives.
God Belongs in Every Day
As people who profess to be Christians we need to include God in every single area of our lives. He needs to be part of everything, big or small. God needs to part of the business decisions and the career moves. He needs to be part of your home life.
As Christians we are supposed to worship God in spirit and truth. (John 4:24) Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we are only supposed to worship God in church. Therefore your daily actions should bring praise and glory to God. But they can’t do that if God isn’t part of your daily life, or if your faith is not shown in your daily life.
Your Faith Must Be Shown by Works
It’s not enough to go to church and claim belief in God. You have to have works that support that faith. (James 2:20) Your works are not what you do at church on a Sunday, Friday or Saturday. Your works are the things that you do every day that show your faith in God.
Whether it’s acting in love when someone has treated you badly or turning to God for help with your finances. Whether it’s helping an orphan or widow in need or praying over a friend or relative who is sick.
Your faith must be shown by your works. In fact, your faith is made alive by your works; your actions. (James 2:26) But for as long as you only turn to God when it’s time for church, your faith will remain dead.
A Dead Faith
You cannot accomplish anything with a dead faith. You also can’t please God. (Hebrews 11:6) In fact you can’t even claim to be a Christian if you don’t have an active faith.
For as long as you are not living out your faith you will be just the same as an unbeliever. At best, you’ll be a hypocrite, someone who claims to believe one thing but acts contrary to that belief. But a hypocrite and unbeliever is not what you should want to be. Your desire should be to become a true believer.
Becoming a True Believer
You must desire to become a real Christian, a true believer, not just claim to be one. But in order to become a true believer you have to start living out what you believe in. That means you must start doing things that show your faith. It also means that God must be front and centre in your life. He has to be part of everything you do and He has to influence everything you do.
You must invite God to guide your business decision, allow Him to sort out your finances, let Him help you with your children. There is no place He shouldn’t be allowed.
You can’t leave God in the back row of a church pew and you can’t leave Him behind on the computer screen after online church.
God does not belong in church. He belongs in your heart, your soul, your mind and every part of your life. So start living a life that shows that.
