by Kaye Johns

There is a relationship between "believe" and "obey" in Scripture, which is reinforced in every book of the New Testament. You might want to do a Bible study for yourself, searching the New Testament and noting the verses in the margin of your Bible. You will soon see that this is not an incidental matter with scattered reference, but a significant word to Christians today.

It is important that we get straight in our own hearts what it means to believe. Many who believe they are Christians are not yielding to Christ. They can tell about accepting Christ, they know when they were baptized, yet they have gone their own way ever since. Yet when Jesus speaks, isn’t a Christian supposed to listen and act? How can we possibly say no to the Lord is some areas of life, and yet say we believe in Him?

Belief is not something that happened "back then." Belief in Christ is more than "accepting Him." To say we "accept Christ" without explanation conveys intellectual understanding or mental ascent. We "accept" truth that Christ died for our sins. But even the devil believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus. He understands the truth of Scripture; he "accepts" it all.

The missing element is obedience. The devil believes in Jesus, but the devil doesn’t obey. When we are called upon in the Bible to believe, it’s not passion -- it’s active obedience. See for yourself how many times "believe and obedience" are combined.

As Christians we believe Jesus is the risen Lord. When He speaks, our response should be simple and immediate: "Yes, Lord." How can we possibly say no to the Lord in some areas of life and yet say we believe in Him?

Exerpts from "Poverty of Spirit," presented by Richard Owen Roberts, Cedars of Lebanon retreat, Dallas, Texas, September 1991; presented with permission.