Faithless: Disloyalty and Unbelief in Spiritual Life
Being faithless is not being true, but disloyal to allegiances, duty or vows. Disloyalty is increasingly being manifest or outworked in society and marriages where people renege on their commitments and promises. This trait began when Adam and Eve took of the forbidden fruit. The result was they lost their close relationship with God.
The Nature of Faithlessness
Although it can also refer to having no religious faith or not believing in God (atheism), its most common biblical usage is in relation to having reservations such as when Jesus told Thomas, "Stop doubting and believe" (Jn 20:27). On another occasion He chided His followers for their lack of faith, stating that faith is a prerequisite for His power to be displayed, then healed the person that was at the centre of this 'how heaven operates' teaching lesson (Mk 9:19-27).
However, we should not be gullible, blindly accepting everything without question. Our faith is to be based on and believes in God's loving and unchangeable character. "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Heb 11:6). Even if our faith falters at times, it is reassuring to know Jesus remains faithful and is always with us (Mt 28:20; Rom 8:38-39; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 13:5).
If we are faithless, He will remain faithful – 2 Timothy 2:13
The Active Nature of Faith
Faith is an ongoing attitude of trusting and believing, it is not passive but active to reach out to others with the love of God, attempting and accomplishing His purpose for us and receiving from God according to His will (Rom 8:28; Eph 1:11; Phil 2:13; Jas 2:18,20,26).
Transitioning from Faithless to Faith-Filled
We move from faithless to faith-filled as our confidence in God increases and we honour our word and obligations. This transformation is a journey of spiritual growth that requires intentionality and practice. As we deepen our understanding of God's character and His faithfulness toward us, our own faith naturally strengthens.
The process begins with acknowledging our moments of doubt and bringing them honestly before God. Rather than suppressing questions or uncertainties, we can present them to our Heavenly Father who welcomes honest inquiry. This vulnerability creates space for God to reveal Himself more fully and address our concerns with His truth and love.
Practical steps toward becoming more faith-filled include regular engagement with Scripture, which builds our knowledge of God's promises
and His track record of faithfulness throughout history. Prayer becomes a vital practice, not as a ritual but as genuine conversation with
our Creator. Surrounding ourselves with other believers who encourage and challenge us in our faith journey also plays a crucial role.
Faithful promises keep us close to God
As we consistently choose trust over doubt, even when circumstances seem contrary, our spiritual muscles strengthen. Each decision to believe God's character and His word reinforces our faith foundation. Over time, what once required conscious effort becomes more natural, and we find ourselves responding from a place of faith rather than fear.
Reflection and Application:
- Consider areas where you may have been disloyal to commitments or vows.
- Reflect on times when your faith has faltered and how God remained faithful.
- Identify ways to actively demonstrate faith through reaching out to others.
- Commit to honouring your word and obligations as an expression of growing faith.
See also: atheists, belief/believe, faith.