The Scriptures teach that a Christian is one who trusts Christ as Savior and obeys Him as Lord. That is the essence of Christian discipleship – believing and following.

The New Testament makes no separation between belief and obedience. They are linked together as one, because if you truly believe, you will truly follow. Trust makes us part of the Kingdom, but our love for God and obedience to His will are the badges of our citizenship in that Kingdom.

That is why the Christian life is a happy blend of trust and toil, resting and striving, receiving and doing. God does His part, and we must do ours.

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26)

(Hope for Each Day – Billy Graham)