Our relationship with Christ is so much more than a personal, inward relationship. It needs to be alive and active! Active faith is crucial to the Christian life because it reflects the living relationship between believers and God. Faith in Christ is not just a one-time decision, but a dynamic, ongoing journey of trust, obedience, and growth. In James 2:17 the Bible says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This verse emphasizes that genuine faith leads to tangible changes in how we live – our attitudes, behaviors, and priorities. An active faith involves making daily choices that align with God’s will, such as loving others, seeking justice, and living with integrity. This kind of faith demonstrates that we truly believe in God’s promises and His call for us to follow Him.
Active faith is also essential for personal transformation. As believers actively engage in their relationship with God, they are shaped more into the likeness of Christ. Romans 12:2 teaches, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation happens through active participation in God’s Word, prayer, and community, not through passive belief. Christians are called to be “salt and light” in the world, and an active faith enables them to influence others positively by reflecting God’s love and truth. When we live out our faith, we become powerful witnesses to the world of God’s power to change lives. For example, a person who believes in compassion might go out of their way to help others, especially those who are marginalized or in need. True faith compels individuals to act in ways that align with their convictions.
Living in the “upside-down kingdom” goes hand in hand with active faith. The upside-down kingdom refers to a way of life that directly contradicts societal norms, prioritizing humility, service to others, and putting the needs of the less fortunate first. It is the life that Jesus lived and taught in the Bible. He served others instead of seeking personal gain, He valued the marginalized and oppressed instead of looking the other way, He prioritized giving and generosity over accumulating wealth, and He found strength in vulnerability rather than self-reliance. A current example would be a CEO who chooses to spend time mentoring young employees rather than focusing solely on profit margins. It is choosing to actively live out faith through the eyes of Jesus!
Another key aspect of active faith is a commitment to personal quiet time with the Lord. Quiet time is not just a ritual, but a sacred opportunity to connect with God in a focused and intentional way. Jesus Himself modeled the importance of retreating to pray and seek the Father’s guidance. In Mark 1:35, we read, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Through personal quiet time, Christians can hear from God, reflect on His Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew their hearts. Without regular moments of solitude and prayer, believers may struggle to hear God’s voice while dealing with the noise of daily life.
Quiet time also strengthens a believer’s sense of dependence on God. Jesus taught His disciples to pray for their “daily bread,” reminding them that they must rely on God for everything. When Christians set aside time each day to pray, read the Bible, and meditate on God’s character and promises, they remind themselves of their need for Him. Quiet time fosters humility and trust, recognizing that we cannot live the Christian life by our own strength, but only through God’s power and grace. It is in these moments of stillness that we learn to align our will with His, seeking His direction and understanding.
Simply put, active faith is belief in action. It is a way of living that reflects one’s trust in God. This requires our faith to not just be a concept, but a force that shapes everything from personal choices to involvement in our community and world.
