Lazy Faith (Pt.2)

(Part 2)

Faith without action is dead and useless. It is lazy faith! We should not be surprised by a generation that is disconnect from their faith, that has been trained up by a generation lazy about theirs. We need to recommit ourselves to living out our faith everyday. We do this by understanding what composes lazy faith. 

Lazy faith is faith without consistency. It is a lack of faithfulness to routine. Is it possible to have faith, without faithfulness? Proverbs 20:6 declares “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” You see, creed without action is lazy faith. Jesus said in Luke 16:10: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”The question becomes are we showing ourselves faithful in the little things in regards to attendance, serving, giving, and devotions. Are we showing ourselves to be faithful?

Lazing faith is also faith without discipline. Many of us have a severe inability to tell ourselves “No!” Faith requires us not only to say “Yes” to God, but also say “No” to ungodliness:

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”-Titus 2:11-12

The danger we face when we refuse to exercise self-control is that we ultimately counteract our progress with poor decisions.  

Thirdly, lazy faith is faith without practice. Lazy faith is characterized by an unwillingness to practice our faith outside the church. Many people have a desire to play piano, but few have the desire to practice. A lack of practice leads to a lack of proficiency. I wonder how many of our kids signed up to play a sport, but when they did’t want to put the time in practicing, we pushed them to do so; yet we signed up to follow Jesus, but don’t live by those same convictions:

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”-Philippians 4:9

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. you see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. “-James 1:22-24

Finally, lazy faith is faith without accountability. This is when we don’t have any spiritual goals set for ourselves and we are critical of those who attempt to hold us accountable to even the very basics of our faith. That is precisely why many people stay out of church. It is to avoid having to account for their ongoing poor decisions. However, God has instructed us to hold each other accountable for our actions:

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”-Galatians 6:1-2

The owner of the gym I attend is quick to call me out if I am using wrong form or sees a way I can improve myself. He isn’t being mean or judging me, he is keeping me from hurting myself and helping me to get the most out of my workout. 

Don’t let your faith become dead in useless when it is within your power to put it into action. Be consistent. Stay disciplined. Keep practicing. Remain accountable. If you will, your faith will become vibrant. 

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church