The author is writing this to the Hebrew believers stressing to them the importance of doing more than believing. When Moses led Israel out of Egypt they rejoiced and believed in their minds but every time it got tough they turned away and doubted. We have been given a Savior that has bridged the gap to heaven and when we say we believe our hearts must change to believe that no matter what happens in our lives. Look at what it says in verse 12, “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God.”
It’s not what we say that is important because we can say we believe in God when our lives are good, but do we show that we believe when things go bad? God’s warnings are never to be taken lightly, we should seek more wisdom when we have questions and turn to God’s word for the answers. The Holy Spirit will always help us transform when we let Him. Our growth is and will be a daily relationship where we talk to God and read what He has given us.
If we are not willing to have this relationship then we will not be sure to look to Jesus in our times of need. We cannot test and try God patience with our actions, He loves us no matter what but He does want us to love Him back by believing and obeying His Son Jesus. Verse 14 says, “For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” I love the challenge statements that God shows us in His word. If we are faithful to the end, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Doesn’t that make you want to dive in more and learn?
When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior we are saying we love Him, when we die to self and work hard to grow and live like Him we are showing our love and trust by changing the way we think and live. We must keep our focus on Jesus and remember we can’t harden our hearts every time we are tested in this world. Amen