Faith is a fundamental virtue in the life of every Christian, and it is the basis of strife, conduct, and interactions. As the Scripture says: “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Faith is the basis of spiritual life. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith is not a mere believing in some doctrines or just reciting the creed of the church, but rather it extends to submitting one’s life entirely to God.

To understand the difference between faith and believing, let’s read the following story together:

 “It was once told that in a grand calibration for one of the European Kings, a stuntman presented a very exciting show. He started walking on a steel cable nearly 30 feet above the ground (about three stories high). In honor of the king, the stuntman insisted on not using the safety net usually placed under the cable to protect him in case he loses his balance. All eyes were glued to him as he carefully walked to the end of the rope and slowly returned backwards once more.  The hearts of the audience was pounding in excitement, and they became tense as they could be witnessing his death at any second, in which case the celebration would be turned to a funeral. Thank God! The stuntman reached the start point without losing his balance; everyone had a sigh of relief and put their hands together in great applause. Nonetheless, the audience was surprised that the show has not ended…

The stuntman appeared again but this time carrying one of his colleagues on his shoulders and began walking on the cable. The whole audience put their hand in their hearts since the potential victims are now two instead of one. Nevertheless, the skilful stuntman was able to calmly go back and forth across the span of the cable… He appeared to be very skilled in maintaining his balance. Everyone shouted with cheer and applause in an unprecedented way.  For the third time, the stuntman carried another colleague and walked over the cable in great confidence as though he was

walking on solid ground. Everyone gave him a long applause and there was no more doubt in his outstanding skills in performing this dangerous trick.

Finally, the stuntman stood before the crowed in total confidence and asked for a volunteer from the audience to come forward so he can carry him and walk over the cable, he was even willing to perform the trick with everyone as they take turns… Everyone was silent and you could hear a pin drop in the hall, the stuntman repeated his request, but no one had the courage to surrender his/her life to him. Indeed that everyone believed that he is very skilful and were assured that he is talented and capable, but no one could have trusted him for his/her life. The show stopped at this point.”

This story shows us the difference between belief and faith. We all believe that God is omnipotent (Supreme and capable of everything) and omniscient (knowing everything) and that he is the lover of mankind. However, faith is to submit oneself to Him and walk in our lives according to His word (the Biblical commandment) in complete trust, even though that sometimes what’s in the commandments may appear on the surface to be a great risk.

Dear brothers and sisters, Do we have faith in Him or just believe in Him?