7.25.21

In order for belief to truly be a belief, and not just a good thought, there needs to be depth to it. Belief is to depth, as knowledge is to width. I’ve met many people in this world with tremendous amounts of knowledge. It’s impressive, no doubt. These people can tell you all about the stock market, can break down what’s going on in the political world, they thrive at trivia night, and usually dominate fantasy football. Knowledge is a good thing. But it doesn’t provide proof of belief, or a belief system. Yes, you can have belief AND knowledge. I’m just saying extensive knowledge doesn’t provide PROOF of a belief.

When it comes to belief in God and the truth of the gospel, where can you see proof of belief? Is it found in knowledge of the Bible? The amount of money you give to the church? Your church attendance record? Those are all great things, but I don’t think that is where the proof is.

The Bible tells us you can find proof in the fruit of our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This fruit is proof of belief. The apples on a tree don’t make the tree alive, the apples prove that the tree IS alive. When the roots of the tree have DEPTH and fill it with life, it culminates in fruit.

Usually, when I meet someone filled to the brim with joy, peace, and love, I know there are roots growing deep into the soil of God’s good and perfect love – and the belief is real. My hope and prayer is that the fruit of my life reflects the belief I have in the life, death, and resurection of Jesus.