Faith is a personal journey, one that should be both transformative and rooted deeply in one’s relationship with God. But what happens when our faith becomes routine, lacking depth or genuine conviction? A shallow faith may leave us unprepared for life’s challenges and disconnected from the true purpose of our beliefs. Here are five tough questions to help you examine your faith, uncover areas that may need growth, and encourage a closer walk with Christ.
5 Tough Questions to Challenge Shallow Faith
1. Is God Truly the Center of My Life?
A question as simple as this can be deeply challenging. It’s easy to say that God is the most important part of our lives, but in practice, other priorities can take over. Careers, relationships, hobbies, financial goals, and even our own sense of comfort can often rank higher than our commitment to God. Ask yourself: Is God truly the focal point of my day, my decisions, and my purpose?
Consider Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:33, where He instructs us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This verse calls us to put God’s priorities above our own. If God is not central to how we approach each day, our faith may not have the depth it needs to sustain us. Reflect on the time you spend in prayer, scripture, and service. Are these actions a core part of your life, or are they secondary to other pursuits?
2. Am I Growing Spiritually, or Am I Stuck in the Same Place?
Spiritual growth is a lifelong process. Just as our physical bodies and minds grow and mature, so should our faith. However, many Christians find themselves in spiritual stagnation, repeating the same routines without experiencing any meaningful change or growth. This lack of progression can indicate a shallow faith that is no longer rooted in a deep relationship with God.
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The Apostle Paul emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity, writing, “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11). Evaluate your own spiritual journey. Have you seen growth in your understanding, compassion, and commitment? Are you stepping out in faith, or are you remaining in a place of comfort? Seek new ways to grow, such as diving deeper into God’s Word, joining a Bible study, or serving in ways that challenge you to rely on God.
3. Do I Trust God Only in the Good Times, or Even When Life Gets Hard?
It’s natural to feel close to God when things are going well. However, when faced with trials, financial challenges, health issues, or personal loss, our faith is truly tested. If we find ourselves doubting God’s goodness or withdrawing from Him in hard times, it may reveal a lack of trust and depth in our faith.
James 1:2-3 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” True faith doesn’t flee in times of hardship but finds strength in trusting God’s plan, even when it’s unclear. Consider whether you seek God’s presence during trials or if you pull away. Practicing gratitude and trust during hardships can help build a faith that’s resilient and deeply rooted in God’s promises.
4. Am I Open to Correction and Growth, or Do I Resist Change?
One of the biggest barriers to deepening our faith is a reluctance to change. Growth in faith often involves letting go of old habits, adopting new mindsets, and accepting correction from God and others. If you’re resistant to change or feel defensive when someone points out areas of improvement, it could be a sign of a faith that’s more focused on comfort than on Christ.
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Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” This might seem like a harsh reminder, but God corrects us because He loves us and wants us to grow. Ask yourself if you are open to God’s discipline and the guidance of others. True faith is willing to be molded, even when it’s uncomfortable. Consider praying for a teachable spirit and welcoming advice from trusted mentors or spiritual leaders who can help you grow.
5. Does My Faith Compel Me to Act, or Is It Only Words?
The Book of James speaks strongly about faith and actions: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). A faith that is all talk but no action may indicate a lack of genuine commitment. True faith moves us to serve others, spread kindness, share the Gospel, and be a positive influence in our communities. If your faith doesn’t impact your actions, then it may not be as deep as you think.
Ask yourself: Does my faith influence how I treat others? Do I feel compelled to help those in need, to speak up for what’s right, or to act as a reflection of Christ’s love? When our faith translates into action, we demonstrate that we are not just hearers of the Word but doers as well. Consider finding opportunities to volunteer, serve, or support others as a way to put your faith into practice.
Moving Toward a Deeper Faith
Examining our faith with these tough questions can be challenging, but it’s essential for a vibrant relationship with Christ. Just as a gardener prunes a tree to promote healthier growth, these questions help us “prune” areas of our spiritual life that may be holding us back.
If you find areas where your faith is lacking depth, take heart. God is patient, and His love is endless. He desires to walk with you as you deepen your faith and trust in Him. Here are a few ways to nurture a more profound, transformative faith:
- Spend Time with God Daily: A relationship with God, like any relationship, requires time and attention. Dedicate time each day to prayer and scripture reading, allowing His presence to fill your heart and mind.
- Engage in Fellowship: Surrounding yourself with a community of believers can help strengthen your faith. Share your struggles, encourage one another, and hold each other accountable.
- Serve Others: Practicing your faith by serving others builds compassion and humility. It reminds us that our faith is meant to impact the world around us.
- Ask God for Wisdom and Strength: Seek God’s guidance as you work through these questions, and ask Him to reveal areas that need growth. Rely on His strength to make changes in your life.
Embracing a Faith That Transforms
Following Christ is more than a set of beliefs; it’s a life transformed. It’s about letting go of shallow practices and moving toward a faith that reflects God’s love, power, and purpose in every area of life. Shallow faith may be comfortable, but it will not stand the test of time or trials. Embracing a faith that seeks depth, challenges complacency, and trusts God’s plan is the foundation of a life that glorifies Him.
As you wrestle with these questions, remember that growth is a journey. Faith is a process of learning, failing, and rising again, always moving closer to God. Allow these questions to be a tool for refining and strengthening your relationship with Him. Through intentional reflection and action, you can cultivate a faith that’s strong, resilient, and deeply rooted in God’s love.
