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While listening to a lesson online I heard an interesting term, “practical atheist.” An atheist is someone who does not believe in God, while a practical atheist is someone who claims there is a God but does not live like they believe it.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

We have all had our practical atheist moments, I know I have. It’s the moments when I let my fears win out over patient obedience or when I am surprised when God does something incredible. I have had multiple conversations with women this past week who have become practical atheists. They have forgotten their value in God’s eyes but more importantly they have forgotten His power in their lives. I have seen my practical atheism as I have found myself utterly surprised at how he has worked in my life and simultaneously afraid that the very things that are bringing me joy would soon be taken away. It’s what we do, our actions, that often reveal just how genuine our faith is.

James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by what he does not by faith alone.

Our actions are often a demonstration of our faith, or lack there of. I desire for my actions to be a demonstration, through obedience, of my faith. I know that as Christians we are saved by faith but if our faith doesn’t bear the fruit of good works what good is it? At my core, the things I am most afraid to let go of, the things I desire most and hope that one day God will provide, are the things I must be willing to let go of, forever. Sometimes we are willing to wait for what we want and we give God a time frame to work in, “Father, do x by y time in my life.” It can be a career, a relationship, a health or personal change. We give the impression of faith but in practice we are atheists who don’t believe that God is bigger than our dreams. Over time our foundation is exposed and some of us may be called to rebuild.

Matthew 7:26-27 But everyone who hears these works of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the dreams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

The result of a faulty foundation is sad, as it is often withdrawal. I have watched some incredibly, gifted, women withdraw from God’s call in pursuit of their dreams. They have become fixated on changing their circumstances or protecting themselves and lost sight of an eternal comfort and the amazing gift that can come from them giving to others, risking being exposed. They have internalized what they want so much that they cannot separate it from who they are. In turn, it is hard for them to see themselves through God’s eyes. The ironic deception of this perspective is that it only results in greater dissatisfaction. Once the focus is circumstantial we are easily rocked. As I look back on the past year and my present reactions I am astounded how much God has worked. I still see glimpses of the desire for what is circumstantial in my own reactions to God’s blessings in my life. As a result, I am in constant prayer to accept my circumstances for what they are, be grateful and yet not allow the very blessings God has given me to take His place in my heart and life. As I mature in my faith I see that counting the cost of discipleship does not stop when we hit the water, it is where it begins. Year by year, decade by decade, I must ask, “do I still believe that he has amazing plans for me?” Do you?

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’”

The above passage is one of the most memorized scriptures among our congregation and yet I fear it may not be lived out in actions by so many. I know that until about a year ago I was not living it out myself. I had a lot of rebuilding and seeking to do but I am so grateful for what resulted. The storms still come but they don’t do nearly as much damage, in fact they have made me stronger. I may still stagger but I will not fall. I don’t have to proclaim my faith nearly as much because it is unquestionable in my life’s deeds. I still have a long way to go, as we all do, but I refuse to be a practical atheist anymore. The only desperation I chose to give into is my desperate need for God.

Mtt 7:24-25 Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is lie a wise man who build his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

Manifestations of the Spirit