Gallop Polls asked in their survey of Americans, Do you believe in God? 87% reported Yes. However, when worded the same question differently in subsequent polls, responses dropped to 79% and 64% respectfully. They concluded the answers depended upon the definition of “belief”. If the standard is absolute certainty—no hedging and no doubts, two-thirds say they believe in God. Given the stark contrast between what God’s Word teaches and societies’ morals and ethics, there is a serious disconnect somewhere.
In Dallas Willard’s book Life without Lack, he clears up the confusion by defining three types of faith or belief. This is an excellent book to read focused on Psalms 23. Each type has significance and worthy of respect. The difference between them is very understandable and revealing. The first type he describes as Faith of Propriety. Webster defines propriety to mean conformity to what is socially acceptable. It might be said that 87% have Faith of Propriety in God, but 64% certainly have this level of faith. Job models each type at different points in his life but begins with this one. He trusted God would be good to him if he lived a decent life. We see this in him offering sacrifices for his children if perchance they had done something wrong. It focused his faith on God’s benefits.
God then allowed circumstances to come to him that would move him to the next level, Faith of Desperation. He was a very wealthy man, but he suddenly lost everything except his wife. A rich young ruler who, like Job, also lived a very upright life. He was so interested in doing what was right he asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus commended him for his life values, then exposed his love of riches more than his love for God. In his case, he directly bailed out. In Job’s case, after losing everything, he staggered for a time but stayed in the game. Since he didn’t bail, he eventually had a most powerful meeting with God. It was so forceful, Job said; I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor (Job 42:5-6, MSG). This is a snapshot of what David described when he wrote, The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18 (NLT2).
This despair and hopelessness morphed Job’s faith into Faith of Sufficiency. Job’s trust in God was now so firm he knew that he knew God was all he would ever need in life. He was now at rest much as Jesus was after He wrestled with His Father in the garden then with conviction said; I want your will to be done, not mine (Luke 22:42c, NLT2). I am awed that Jesus went through all the abuse humans could give Him only saying a few poignant words.
Which of these types of faith might you expect to see in the 64% who said they believe in God? How have you responded when the Spirit of God attempted to move you into the Faith of Desperation? Did you bail or resolve to trust God’s Spirit to enable you to walk it out? How has the Faith of Sufficiency affected your daily life? I have known each stage of faith. I have known the agony of desperation. And I have experienced the incredible peace, confidence, and pervasive sense of well-being infused with hope because of God’s presence. Yes, I have slid back and had to go through the process again, but He has sustained me each time. I have experienced enough of His grace that I can write with conviction that God will walk with you through each stage if you will trust Him and stay the course.
Very good. Understanding that this process moves forward and backward is good. I sometimes find myself thinking that the desperation stage is the best, but God wants us resting in Him.