Writer Craig Groeschel coined the phrase “Christian Atheism.” Here’s the idea behind it.

If we say we believe in Jesus, are we actually living like it makes a difference? Or are we just blending in and living our lives as functional atheists?

What do we say about prayer, verses how we actually pray? What do we say about loving our neighbours or the Bible or our priorities, verses how we actually live our lives?

The majority of people in my country believe in God. But to be honest, I don’t really know what that means. Is it a vague belief in a higher power, or in a universe that seems to be somehow sacred?

But when your belief in God is vague, your life doesn’t really change all that much. Fuzzy beliefs give birth to fuzzy behaviours. In other words, beliefs that aren’t firmly rooted lead to lives and decisions that are usually more misguided than they would otherwise be.

That’s why followers of Jesus can be confident that when you know Jesus, you know God. If you want to know the character of God, look to Jesus. When you want to know the wisdom of God, look to Jesus. When you want to know what kind of justice and love is important to God, look to Jesus.

That’s why in John 14:9, when referring to God the Father, he says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

Know Jesus, know God.

Fuzzy beliefs give birth to fuzzy behaviours. But confident beliefs give birth to confident behaviours.

Behaviours that reflect Christ.

By Matthew Ruttan

• Today’s “Up!” is based on my latest podcast: “Belief gives birth to behaviour.” You can listen in here. Enjoy!
• PLUS! – I have a fun announcement to make! As of now, the “Up!” daily devotional is on radio for listeners in Central Ontario through the Life Radio Network! An audio version of the devotional comes on at 8:10am from Monday to Friday on 100.3FM in Barrie, 89.3FM in Peterborough, 98.9FM in Huntsville, and 90.1FM in Owen Sound. If you’re in Central Ontario, listen in and be lifted Up!