Too Much of a Good Thing

By Steven Halter

Faith is a wonderful thing. We have been saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). By faith we have become children of God (John 1:12). With faith, it is possible to please God (Heb. 11:6). When we believe God, impossible things become possible.

But can we believe too much? "Certainly not!" you may say. But to really answer that question, we have to consider what and in Whom we are believing. Too often, we as Christians believe in the wrong things, and we are quick to believe in them, too!

For example, sometimes we're quick to believe in gossip about co-workers (2 Cor. 12:20). We may believe the latest rumors about celebrities. We might believe misinformation and slander about politicians. Bosses could believe a bad report about employees. By doing these things, we can hurt others by believing (and sometimes acting on) something about them that is not true. We misjudge them, and we make it worse by telling others the half-truths and lies we've believed.

Sometimes we hurt ourselves more directly by believing whatever teaching we hear. Or we may believe a smooth talking con artist who is utilizing the latest financial scheme.

How can we protect ourselves and keep from hurting others? There are a number of things we can do. One thing is to not believe just one side of a story that is told about someone. We need to hear both sides of a story, then we can understand the situation better (Prov. 18:17).

In addition, we can protect ourselves from false doctrine by comparing what we hear to the whole counsel of the Bible (Acts 17:10-12; Eph. 4:14). We should test everything with the Bible and the guidance of the Spirit (1 John 4:1; 1 Th. 5:21).

Let us resolve to not hurt ourselves or others by believing in things that we shouldn't. Let us ask the Lord to give us discernment about what is true and wisdom about what is right. Jesus Himself once said to His disciples, "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matt. 10:16). James wrote, "If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you" (James 1:5).

Yes, faith is a wonderful thing! But let's not have too much of a good thing. Let's keep God and His truth as the focus of our faith. When we do that, we will be a brighter light to the world around us (Mat. 5:14). And as God helps us to grow in these areas, we will become more like our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus! We will be more conformed to image of God's Son (Rom. 8:29). Thank God that His love is everlasting towards us as we continue to grow in Him.