Act like you believe it.

 There is sometimes a disconnect between what we believe and how we act. Did I say sometimes? Maybe more than sometimes.

Again original sin is the issue, and our will and desires not being completely willing to leave the former path and walk in a new way, but there is also another reason I'd like to explore. 

I believe we are saved by grace completely. Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Nothing we can do, can add to what Jesus has done for us.

Yet also at the same time we are called, as were the believers in Philippi, to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" Philippians 2:12.

Which is it "saved by grace" or "work out your own salvation"?

Of course the answer is both, but we don't like the answer because we like "either or" not "both and".

I believe our preference is the result of the Greek worldview that most of us in Western civilization are deeply affected by, whether we are aware of it or not. The Greek worldview is very different to the Hebrew worldview (The worldview of the Bible).

One main aspect of the Greek worldview being different to the Hebrew worldview is that the Greek values "knowing over doing" and the Hebrew "doing over knowing".

Stay with me. This will make sense....

The Greek worldview focuses on right thinking, intellectual virtues, exploring truths through human logic and debate, and compartmentalizing things (either/or).

The Hebrew worldview focuses on right conduct, community duty, experimental practice, and confirming contrasting views simultaneously (both, and).

Ahhh.....

This is why there is rarely/sometimes/often/always/ (choose which applies) a disconnect between what we read in the Bible, what we affirm with our minds...... and what we actually act out in our lives.

Or am I the only one with this issue?

We know the Bible, we agree with it, but we don't do what is written there for our and others' benefit and blessing. 

We can argue our theological or doctrinal corner with the best of them, but then do we read the Bible, pray, spend time with God, be part of a Christian faith community, obey Jesus' commands to love one another, and disciple the nations?

We sometimes struggle to act like we believe God and His Word.

It is true in our minds, but not in our actions.

We need to believe in our minds, and with our actions. We are both saved (if we have responded in faith to Jesus' offer of forgiveness, reconciliation with the Father, and His gift of eternal life).

And we need to work out our salvation. 

Can I suggest again, without sounding repetitive although I am already, that spending five minutes being still and listening to God is part of the 'doing' and not just the 'thinking'.

Please consider this...but then also act on it!