Even the demons believe. . . .

On my way home yesterday, I listened to part of a radio sermon. The pastor asked his listeners to imagine Satan being interviewed by a Christian church board. He was asked if he believed in God. As the Bible says: “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” (James 2:19) so Satan said, “Of course.”

He also gave the right answers to other questions, even that he would attend and serve in the church, but one question he refused to say yes to: “Will you yield to the lordship of Jesus Christ?” His ‘faith’ was not genuine. It was based on true concepts but without a change of heart toward who would be the boss in his life.

Today’s devotional lists the elements of true faith. I’m not certain how Satan would answer the questions suggested here, but my answers are vital for they determine the reality of what I believe.

True faith produces a heart truly before God that hates sin. When the Spirit of God changed my heart, my attitude toward sin changed. Yes, sometimes a temptation appeals to my old nature, but since faith came in, I often cry out ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’ In at attitude of  repentance. Christ in my heart changes my heart concerning sin.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. (Psalm 51:1–4)

True faith causes the heart to bow willingly to Christ’s Lordship in all things. While doing things that God says does not make anyone a Christian, Jesus did say, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) The entire book of James makes it clear that faith changes us to be obedient to the voice of the Lord.

Truth faith looks to Christ alone for all things. Faith not only strips away my attempts to a ‘do it yourself’ religion, but also teaches me to trust Christ for all things. I trust Him to save me but also to help me get through all challenges in life, to supply needs, to give me wisdom and discernment. When I neglect to do this, I’ve fallen into a walk in the flesh and things do not go well at that point. Lack of trust is incompatible with the abundant life of faith.

True faith will persevere and continue to believe regardless of circumstances. Faith even goes beyond perseverance to the rare condition of rejoicing in trials. In fact, trials help me become more steadfast:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)

True faith produces a heart of sincere love for the people of God. False faith strives to produce love and pretends to love. But love is natural to true faith. Love for the brethren flows as naturally from the believing heart as water flows from a spring. If I struggle to care for others, then I know that I’m not trusting God in some way and need to repent. Real faith wants to be like Jesus, and Jesus died for sinners — totally the opposite of any lack of care.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. (1 John 5:1)

PRAY: Any time I falter in the qualities of true faith, it suggests I’ve been listening to the liar — and that is repulsive. Jesus, keep my heart alert to Your voice and grant me discernment to always recognized when I’ve strayed away from true faith to some facsimile that not only leads me into sin but dishonors You. I’m so thankful for Your saving grace and power!