Now there’s a blog title for the “duh” category… right? I mean, it’s all over the Bible. What we believe is always linked to what we do. How do we know that Abraham believed God? Because he trusted against reason that he could have a son as an old man that would be the bearer of God’s promise.

How do we know that Noah believed God? He built a big boat.

How do we know that Jesus trusted God? He went to the cross.

And in James, we are reminded absolutely that those who simply say they believe in God really are no better than demons (who, by the way, have excellent theology). It is rather those who don’t just say they believe in God but actually do what God says that are considered righteous. Their belief is true. Verified. Authenticated.

But if you look at the blog title again, there is one word that perhaps will instruct you as it has me in recent days:

“Consciously.”

This, to me, is a game changer, because I often don’t take the time or put forth the mental energy to make the conscious link. It’s pretty simple to do, but much tougher to enact. Here’s what I would suggest.

1. Recognize the Bible is primarily a book about God. Not about us. The pages of Scripture inform what we believe to be true about God. We read all about His divine attributes and their demonstrations.

2. After seeing what is true of God, then ask the question: “How does what I know to be true of God influence the way I will live today?” Let the holiness of God drive you to action in the way you spend your time. Let the knowledge of God drive you to action in terms of what you are willing to confess to others. Let the generosity of God drive you to action in how you spend your money.

3. Be specific. Don’t simply resolve generalities. You know your calendar for the day, and so do I. If you know you have four meetings of great importance today, let the character of God drive your attitude in them. You know you have a sick kid today. Let the character of God drive your patience. You know that you will be frustrated in your job. Let the character of God drive your thankfulness.

We then, through the wisdom of the Spirit, become conscious imitators of God.