Disconnected

Despite the evidence of God all around us, there are many who do not believe that He even exists, according to a recent survey. The Bible shows us how God has worked throughout the ages and is an authoritative and reliable source to show us that indeed He exists and is actively working in the world today, including through the lives of His people. Here are three verses in Hebrews 11 about possessing faith in this wonderful God:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The Christian Post reports that, according to a new survey...

The research found that overall, 60% of Americans do not believe God exists or that He “affects lives.” Nearly half of self-identified Christians (47%) and a slightly smaller share of theologically identified born-again Christians (40%) said the same.

That data is from the American Worldview Inventory 2025, published by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, where George Barna is Director of Research.

Barna says, according to the article: “The more time you spend thinking about what this research tells us, the more you are likely to conclude that nothing short of sweeping national repentance and spiritual renewal can save America from itself.”  The article goes on to say:

He added, “It seems obvious that political, economic, legal, or institutional improvements are not what America needs most desperately today. Those cultural arenas merely provide prescriptions that address the symptoms, but not the disease."

The report, he said, is evidence that God has been “reconfigured into our own image in order to fit within our personal comfort zone.” 

And, even among that 40% of Americans that believes that God exists and affects lives, "a plurality (38%) defined God as the 'most important element' in their lives, while 23% described God as 'extremely important' in their lives, and 18% characterized God as having a 'very important' influence on their lives."

The survey summary notes that among certain groups of Christians, between 40% and 47% of whom do not believe in the existence of God nor His affecting of lives, 40% of self-identified Christians and 52% of theologically identified, "born-again" Christians say that God is the "most important element" of their lives.

Even among so-called "Integrated Disciples," just under three-fourths cite God as that most important element.

Furthermore, according to The Christian Post:

Just 20% of “those who believe the God of the Bible exists and affects lives” told pollsters they had “an intimate and interactive spiritual relationship with Him, with constant two-way communication.” Another 45% classified their relationship with God as “close,” defined by frequent prayer and trust in Him to “do what is best and right.”

George Barna says that this data indicates "the list of startling insights into a Christian faith that bears little resemblance to biblical teaching and to God’s intent could continue.”

In Luke 6, Jesus asked the penetrating question: "...why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?"  This research shows an ignorance, even among Christians, of what it truly means to be a Christian - a Christ-follower.  Obviously, there are those that claim to have had an experience with God but have a warped understanding of how He works in our world today and in individual lives. And, even though someone might say he or she believes, that doesn't translate into a vibrant, close relationship with Him. 

So, there's the disconnect - and it is incumbent upon us who claim the name of Jesus to allow the light of truth to shine in each of our hearts in order to determine the degree to which we truly act in a manner that is consistent with the teachings of Scripture, reflecting the presence of Jesus.  Because we are all vulnerable to the influences of this world and the temptation of the enemy, we have to stay connected to our Lord and grow in our faith in Him.