Tight-rope of Faith

So, my brother-in-law, Mike says that I need to post more often. So, I thought heck, why not.

Today I met with Gene Strange, my mentor and the Pastor of 1st UMC in Richmond. We were discussing belief as compared to trust. He maintains that belief could mean only subscribing to or espousing certain beliefs, that it does not necessary imply action. He suggests that trust is different. To believe in someone or something is one thing but to put your trust in them is another.

The great Houdini did a routine where he walked a tight rope across Niagara Falls. He then asked the audience who believed that he could place a person in a barrel and place the barrel on the wire and walk the barrel across the falls on the wire. The vast majority of the audience believed that he could. However, when he asked for a volunteer, only a very few were found. Again, I state there is a difference between believing and placing trust.

Trust infers relationship. The lord did not create us so that we could believe in him. He didn't even create us merely so that we could be saved. Romans 10:9-10, because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Rather, he created us for relationship. Relationship requires love and commitment. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. It requires action on our part. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Having trust in someone is faith. You have faith in what they can do in you. You act out of faith towards others. I desire the tight-rope of faith.

How does your belief manifest itself? How is your love embodied?