How can I say this without hurting anyone? There is a difference between child like faith and childish faith. Child like faith is simple; God said it, I believe it, and that settles it. That is the kind of faith that keeps us hanging on through the storms and trials of life.
But we Pentecostals sometimes exhibit what I call childish faith. This is when we say we are healed when we are not. This says God will provide while you remain broke. This is kin to the prosperity Gospel and the blab it and grab it kind of faith. It is what I call giddy faith even though there is nothing to point to as the source of your giddiness but some vague verse or prophetic utterance.
I know people who say they are healed and will not go to get medical help. I know people who say that they gave but they put in a hot check. Childish faith is living like a new convert decades after you got saved. Pentecostals are notorious for this kind of faith. The problem is that they have nothing to show for their silliness.
I believe in Divine healing. But if you pray and nothing changes maybe you should go get a second opinion from a doctor. If you are in financial straits and no miracle money appears maybe you need budget counseling and a better job. If you cannot see past the end of your nose don't tell me you are healed, go get glasses. Can you imagine if the family of Lazarus had stood him up in the corner for 4 days waiting for Jesus to come? They did the grownup thing and they put their dead brother in the tomb. If Jesus works a miracle for you 4 days late He has no problem with whatever you did in the mean time.
It is one thing to get fired for witnessing instead of working when you are young and a child. Grownups have responsibilities and a family to support and that tempers their enthusiasm for witnessing instead of working. If you are witnessing like a brand new babe in Christ you have childish faith. It's time to grow up.
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