FAITH: IT'S NOT A QUIZ, IT'S A COMMITMENT

First Christian Church of Chicago
Jan 20
2 min read

Have you ever felt like your faith was just a checklist of things you had to "agree" with? 📝

For many of us, we’ve been taught that having faith means giving intellectual assent to a set of theological propositions. We think if we can just nod our heads to the right doctrines or pass a spiritual "true or false" exam, then we have faith.

But here is the truth: Faith is not a philosophy. It is a relationship.

From Head to Heart: Trust over Information

In the original language of the New Testament, the word for faith (pistis) carries a much deeper weight than just "believing that something is true."

It’s not just mental agreement: Even the demons "believe" that God exists (and they tremble!).
It is Trust: Faith is the kind of trust you have when you step onto a bridge, knowing it will hold you.
It is Allegiance: It is a radical shift in who you follow and where your loyalty lies.

The Ultimate Pledge of Allegiance

Think of faith as your pledge of allegiance to God through Jesus Christ.

When we say "I have faith," we aren't just saying "I think these facts about Jesus are historically accurate." We are saying:

"I am casting my lot with Jesus. He is my King. My loyalty, my future, and my identity belong to Him."

It’s moving from being a spectator who agrees with the playbook, to being a soldier who is devoted to the Commander. It’s not about how much you know; it’s about whom you trust.

Living it Out

If faith is allegiance, it changes how we live on Monday morning, not just how we think on Sunday:

In uncertainty: We don't need all the answers; we just need to trust the One who does.
In conflict: Our primary loyalty isn't to a political party or a social group, but to the Kingdom of Heaven.
In failure: Our standing isn't based on our perfect performance, but on our continued "yes" to Jesus.

Stop trying to "think" your way into deeper faith. Start "trusting" your way into it. Give your allegiance to the King who gave His life for you.