Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 9 of AHA by reiterating that it’s important for us to recognize that without action, the story never changes. Had the Prodigal Son not gotten up, it really wouldn’t have mattered that he came to his senses. He had to take action.
Pastor Idleman cites Catholic philosopher Michael Novak, who makes the point that our beliefs and convictions aren’t genuine until we take action. Mr. Novak describes three different levels of belief:
1. Public beliefs. Public beliefs are the beliefs we represent to others. Although we try to convince other people to think we hold certain convictions, we really don’t believe them at all.
2. Private beliefs. Private beliefs are the beliefs we sincerely believe. As the author notes: “We genuinely believe that we believe them. But when those beliefs are put to the test, we discover we don’t really believe them after all.
3. Core beliefs. Ultimately core beliefs are our true beliefs because they’re backed up by reality. These beliefs don’t merely reflect what we say or feel. They dictate how we live.
Pastor Idleman astutely observes that while it’s not easy to get up, it’s simple. Even though we may have a complicated mess and want to address that complicated mess with a complicated plan, the simple (but not easy) truth is: “It’s time to get up!”
Today’s question: Who or what prompted you to get up and take action following your vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Choosing easy over God”
