Is Your Faith Active or on Autopilot?

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Have you ever found yourself going through the motions of faith without really engaging with it? I have. There have been times when my faith was more of a routine than a relationship—where I was just cruising along on autopilot, not really conscious of what I was doing or why. But I’ve come to realize that faith is not meant to be a passive experience. It’s meant to be lived out actively, daily, intentionally.

I’ve often thought of the words of James, who challenged believers with this question: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14, NIV). James is pointing out that faith, when it’s real and active, naturally produces action. It’s not enough to simply believe; that belief should shape how we live every single day.

Yet, I find myself slipping into autopilot sometimes. I go to church, read my Bible, say my prayers, and check all the “Christian” boxes, but inside, I’m just coasting. Maybe you’ve been there too. We get comfortable, and before we know it, we’re just going through the motions, not really engaging with God in a deep, meaningful way. So, how do we shift from autopilot to active faith?

Recognizing the Autopilot Mode

The first step in making a change is recognizing where we are. I’ve had to ask myself hard questions, like: Am I just doing religious activities out of habit, or am I genuinely seeking God? Is my heart engaged when I pray, or am I reciting words without really connecting with the One I’m talking to?

Jesus warned against this kind of superficial faith. In Matthew 15:8, He quoted the prophet Isaiah, saying, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (NIV). It’s easy to fall into the trap of external religiosity while our hearts drift away. The key is to notice when this happens and to be honest with ourselves about it.

For me, recognizing autopilot mode often comes with a sense of spiritual dryness. I might be reading the Bible, but it feels like the words aren’t sinking in. Or I’m praying, but my mind is wandering. These are red flags that I’ve let my faith become passive. But they are also invitations from God to re-engage, to dig deeper, and to renew my commitment to Him.

Cultivating an Active Faith

So, how do we move from autopilot to active faith? It starts with a desire to truly know God and follow Him closely. We must be intentional about seeking Him and making Him the priority in our lives.

One of the most powerful ways to activate our faith is through regular, heartfelt prayer. Paul urged the Thessalonians to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV). This doesn’t mean we’re constantly on our knees in prayer, but it does mean living with a constant awareness of God’s presence and communicating with Him throughout our day. When I’m intentional about prayer—when I take time to truly talk with God, not just recite a list of needs—it pulls me out of autopilot and into a vibrant relationship with Him.

Another key aspect of active faith is obedience. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15, NIV). Our faith is shown not just in what we believe, but in how we live out that belief. When I take God’s Word seriously and apply it to my life, I’m no longer just coasting; I’m actively following Him.

This might mean stepping out of my comfort zone. Sometimes, God calls us to take bold steps of faith—whether that’s sharing the gospel with someone, serving in a new ministry, or giving generously when it doesn’t make sense. These are moments where faith becomes real and tangible. Hebrews 11 is filled with examples of people whose faith led them to action. “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family” (Hebrews 11:7, NIV). Noah’s faith wasn’t just a belief in God; it was demonstrated through his obedience.

Staying Spiritually Engaged

Another way to ensure that our faith remains active is by staying spiritually engaged. This requires intentional effort to feed our souls with the things of God. Jesus reminded us that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, ESV). We need spiritual nourishment just as much as we need physical food. When I neglect time in God’s Word, I start to feel spiritually weak. But when I’m intentional about studying the Bible and applying its truths to my life, I stay spiritually engaged.

Worship is another powerful way to stay engaged. When I intentionally focus my heart on praising God, it shifts my perspective. Worship pulls me out of autopilot mode and reminds me of who God is—His greatness, His love, His faithfulness. Worship re-centers my life on God and awakens my heart to His presence.

Being part of a community of believers is also crucial. We were never meant to do this journey of faith alone. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV). When I’m actively involved in a community of faith—whether it’s through a small group, church, or fellowship with other believers—it keeps me accountable and spiritually engaged.

Overcoming the Temptation to Coast

Even with the best intentions, there are times when the temptation to coast will creep back in. Life gets busy, distractions come, and before we know it, we’re back on autopilot. But I’ve learned that overcoming this temptation starts with recognizing that faith is a daily choice. Jesus called us to “take up [our] cross daily and follow [Him]” (Luke 9:23, NIV). This means that every day, I have to make a conscious decision to follow Jesus, to trust Him, and to live out my faith actively.

I’ve also found that it’s helpful to remember why I’m doing this in the first place. When I focus on the beauty of the gospel—on the fact that Jesus loved me so much that He died for me—it reignites my passion for Him. Paul wrote, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died” (2 Corinthians 5:14, NIV). When I keep the love of Christ at the center of my faith, it propels me forward, even when I’m tempted to coast.

Finally, I’ve learned that overcoming autopilot mode requires reliance on the Holy Spirit. I can’t do this on my own. But Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be our Helper, guiding us into all truth (John 16:13). When I rely on the Holy Spirit—when I ask Him to lead me, to fill me, to empower me—He helps me live out my faith actively, not passively.

The Reward of Active Faith

Living an active faith isn’t always easy. It requires effort, intentionality, and sometimes stepping out into the unknown. But the reward is worth it. When I’m actively engaged in my relationship with God, I experience a deeper sense of peace, joy, and purpose. Jesus promised, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV). This abundant life is found not in coasting, but in actively pursuing Him.

Active faith also allows us to be a light in the world. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16, NIV). When we live out our faith actively, it shines a light that draws others to Jesus.

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The question isn’t just whether we have faith, but whether our faith is active or on autopilot. I’ve learned that faith is meant to be lived out daily, intentionally, and with a heart fully engaged with God. It’s not about going through the motions; it’s about walking with Him, trusting Him, and letting His love shape every aspect of our lives. So, let’s take our faith off autopilot and live it out actively, for the glory of God.