There are times when we struggle with our faith. Perhaps we have an unanswered question. Perhaps we’ve experienced something that makes us doubt. Whatever it is, it can make us feel… 

Stuck.

When that happens you should definitely pray, learn and talk to others. 

But there’s something else, and it’s today’s focus: don’t stop moving. Here’s what I mean.

Our faith is meant to be lived. It’s not just a system of thought which remains exclusively inside our craniums. Bible scholar N.T. Wright says: “Being a Christian is like riding a bicycle; unless you go forward, you’ll fall off.”*

This “going forward” isn’t only a reference to general spiritual progress. It’s a reference to the ways we live out our faith in practical ways for the benefit of others. It has to do with things like serving, helping, and volunteering. 

The believing reinforces the doing, but the doing also reinforces the believing.

Jesus closely connects believing and doing. So does Paul. In fact, many of his letters are structured in this exact way. He often begins by explaining points of theology (believing), and then ends with points of application (doing). 

For example, in Romans he spends many chapters explaining key theological concepts. Then in chapter 12 he switches gears: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world,” he writes, “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (verse 2). From that point on he describes love in action: “Love must be sincere… Honor one another above yourselves… Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (verses 9, 10, 13).

The point is this. When you’re stuck—and even when you’re not—don’t stop moving. Like a bike, unless you go forward, you fall off. In other words, keep living out your beliefs with meaningful actions.

Getting stuck once in a while is normal. But don’t be content in a rut. Keep moving. Do you volunteer? Do you pitch in to help? Do you respond when a need arises? Do you share your faith when a door is opened?

The believing reinforces the doing, but the doing also reinforces the believing.

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Notes and extra content:

–Pause Alert: I’m on a Study Leave the week of May 20th. The Up Daily Devotional will go on pause but return on May 27, 2024.

–*N.T. Wright, Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2015), 164.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.