The word “believe” comes up a lot in the Bible. Clearly, it’s very important to our faith.
In 1 John 3:23, the apostle writes: “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”
But what does it truly mean to believe? As we think this through, Rodney Anderson gives us something to think about: “There’s a monumental difference in believing in God and believing God.”*
He contrasts “believing in God” and “believing God.”
Believing “in” God is more passive. It’s like saying, ‘Sure, he’s out there, he exists.’ But let’s not forget that even the demons believe in God (James 2:19)!
But “believing God” is more. It is a personal committed trust in who he is and who he calls me to be.
Imagine the following scenario. Let’s say you’re in secondary school and a politician comes and speaks to your class. Afterward, you’re having a discussion with some of your friends about it. Everyone believes that he came and spoke. But not everyone will have agreed with or trusted what he said.
Politics aside, when it comes to believing in God, a similar principle applies.
Are we living in a way that is distant and distracted from the living God? ‘Sure, he’s out there, somewhere.’ Or are we living in a way that reflects a personal committed trust in who he is and who he calls us to be.
According to Anderson, there is a “monumental difference” between the two outlooks. Let’s choose the later. It is the pathway the leads to more blessing, joy, peace and purpose.
“And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”
Notes:
-On Air! – Did you know you can help support The Up Devotional on morning radio as it reaches thousands of people at 8:15 a.m. across the Life Radio Network in Ontario? Visit this link to learn more, hear a sample, or make a tax deductible donation.
-Vacation alert: The Up Devotional will pause Monday (due to Thanksgiving in Canada) but will return on October 14, 2025.
-*As quoted in: Andy Stanley, Deep and Wide (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016), 95.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.
Listen and subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts:
Discover more from The Up Devotional
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
As you have been leading us through John’s writings, I’ve found the practical suggestions you’ve made very helpful. Revisiting a phrase about Jesus throughout my day has been effective. I’m so grateful of what you shared in today’s sermon on distractions and the usefulness of repetition. I was reflecting on my sins of omission recently, and the encouragement you have shared about loving one another, is one I want to take action on. Thanks for the work that you do.
LikeLike