Work

             Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29) 

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Romans 5:1)

 Work: to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations (Work Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster) 

Work has both a positive and a negative reputation within Christianity. In most (possibly all) other religions, if salvation can be gained or assured, it is done on the basis of works. You earn it. According to Paul, we aren’t justified by works, we are justified by faith. But Jesus said that the work of God is to believe in Him.

We’re supposed to work, and work hard, but it doesn’t produce salvation. It produces goods and services that benefit others and us. But we’re not supposed to lose sight of the distinction between the two.

I’ve been asked why I can’t “just believe.” I’ve heard others say they’ve been asked the same thing. The implication is that belief is seen as a condition or state. It’s like Yoda said, “Do, or do not, there is no try.” Except, Jesus said that believing (having faith) is work or requires work. Performing or carrying through the task of believing requires sustained effort of continuous repeated operations. Sometimes, the task is as easy as taking a piece of paper across the room. Other times, it’s more like carrying another person out of a burning building. Telling someone to “Just do it,” is both true and cruel. They do need to just do it but if they could just do it, they would.

Kindness has been said to be lending someone your strength. Rather than dismissing someone with a “just do it,” pray with them, for them. Lend them some of your faith. And keep praying as they repeat the act of believing.