Why Depth Matters in Belief, and How to Grow Stronger Spiritually
What Is Shallow Faith?
Imagine faith as a tree. A shallow faith is like a tree with weak, thin roots that barely reach into the soil. It might look fine on the surface, but it won’t survive a strong wind or a long drought. In everyday language, shallow faith means having beliefs that are skin-deep—more about appearance or convenience than about real conviction or transformation.
Shallow faith isn’t just about how much you know or how often you go to church. It’s when your belief doesn’t really affect how you live, think, or grow as a person. It’s easy, comfortable, and sometimes only shows up when it’s convenient or when things are going well.
Key traits of shallow faith:
· It’s light on understanding—people might know a few Bible stories, but haven’t explored what they really mean.
· It doesn’t change how someone acts; faith stays in the head, not the hands or heart.
· It’s focused on feeling good or looking good, rather than becoming good.
· It pops up during emotional highs, but fades during tough times.
· It pays more attention to outward appearance than inner growth.
· It’s casual, not committed; it shows up when convenient, but vanishes when things get hard.
Why Is Shallow Faith a Problem?
Shallow faith is risky because it doesn’t last. When trouble comes—whether it’s sickness, stress, loss, or disappointment—a shallow faith can fall apart. Here’s why it matters:
1. It Can’t Handle Tough Times
Think of shallow faith like a sandcastle. It looks great until the waves hit; then it crumbles. When your faith isn’t rooted deeply, you might walk away from it when life gets hard, or when you face criticism or pressure.
2. It Gives False Security
Shallow faith can fool people into thinking everything’s fine spiritually. Someone might believe they’re “okay with God” just because they go to church, pray occasionally, or have Christian friends. But real faith is about having a relationship with God—not just ticking boxes.
3. It Stops You From Growing
Faith is meant to be alive and growing, like a plant. Shallow faith stays small and weak. Without depth, it’s hard to mature, learn new things, or become more loving and wise.
4. It Leads to Spiritual Laziness
When faith is shallow, there’s little motivation to go deeper. People may avoid thinking about their beliefs, asking tough questions, or letting God shape their lives. This leads to spiritual “sleepiness”—a lack of passion and purpose.
How Does Shallow Faith Happen?
Shallow faith can sneak up on anyone. Here are some common reasons it develops:
· Comfort and convenience: Many people want faith to fit their lifestyle, not challenge it. When belief is only about feeling good, it stays shallow.
· Surface-level involvement: Attending services, singing songs, or having Christian friends is good, but it’s not enough if it doesn’t transform your heart.
· Fear of change: Deep faith requires letting go of old habits and facing uncomfortable truths. It’s easier to stay at the surface.
· Following the crowd: Sometimes faith is inherited or “borrowed”—people believe because others do, but haven’t made it personal.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible has strong words about shallow faith. In Hebrews 11:1, it says, “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we can’t see.” Real faith means trusting God even when you don’t have all the answers or when life is difficult.
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 2:5, says faith shouldn’t rest on clever talk or human wisdom, but on the power of God. Why? Because human ideas change, and persuasive arguments come and go. God’s power and truth are steady and reliable.
Ecclesiastes 1:9-11 reminds us that the same struggles happen again and again. People have always faced challenges in their faith—misplaced trust in the wrong things, drifting away, or letting faith become routine.
Why Do People Trust the Wrong Things?
One danger of shallow faith is relying more on human institutions—like politics, leaders, or systems—than on God. When belief is built on what people or society say, it quickly crumbles when those things inevitably fail or change. Throughout history, whenever people put their trust in something other than God, they found disappointment and confusion.
What Is Apostasy and Why Should We Care?
Apostasy means turning away from your beliefs or abandoning your faith. Sometimes, it happens because people drift from the core teachings of Christianity, following ideas that sound good but aren’t true. Other times, people walk away from their beliefs entirely.
Signs of apostasy include:
· Distorted teachings that don’t match what the Bible says.
· Deceptive leaders who say what people want to hear, rather than what’s true.
· Abandoning Christian practices and principles.
Why does this happen? Often, it starts with a shallow faith that has no roots—when challenges come, it’s easy to wander away.
How Can We Develop a Deeper Faith?
Good news: faith can grow deeper! Here are practical steps anyone can take:
1. Be Open to Correction and Learning
Proverbs 12:1 says wise people welcome correction. That means being willing to listen—to God, to trusted mentors, and to the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Correction isn’t punishment; it’s a guide toward growth.
2. Practice Prayer and Reflection
Prayer is more than words—it’s a conversation with God. Set aside time to talk honestly with God, meditate on what matters, and listen for guidance. Over time, this builds a strong spiritual foundation.
3. Notice God’s Presence in Everyday Life
Don’t limit faith to religious spaces or events. Look for God in your daily routine—at work, at home, in relationships, and in challenges. This awareness brings comfort and connection.
4. Read and Study Scripture
The Bible is a source of wisdom and understanding. Take time to read and think about what you learn. Ask questions, seek answers, and let Scripture reshape false ideas. The goal isn’t just knowing the words, but letting them change you.
5. Seek Real Transformation
Don’t settle for surface-level belief. Let your faith shape your actions, priorities, and relationships. Focus on knowing God deeply, not just hoping for comfort or rewards.
Faith Is Meant to Be Dynamic
Faith isn’t meant to be static or routine. It’s a journey—a process of growing, learning, and being transformed. Sometimes that means facing tough questions, letting go of old ways, or embracing new challenges.
True faith stands strong even when life is hard. It doesn’t crumble under pressure or fade when emotions cool. Instead, it roots itself in God’s love, wisdom, and power.
Bring Your Faith Back to Center
If you feel your faith is shallow, don’t lose hope. Everyone struggles at times, but growth is possible. Start by being honest—recognize where your faith is thin, and take steps to deepen it. Focus less on what others think and more on your relationship with God.
Remember, faith is a gift from God, not just a product of your own effort or reasoning. It grows strongest when you trust God’s Spirit and rely on His power, rather than your own abilities or comfort.
Final Thoughts
Shallow faith may seem safe or easy, but it leaves us vulnerable and unfulfilled. The journey to deeper faith is worth it—it brings lasting strength, purpose, and joy, no matter what challenges come your way. Whether you’re new to faith or have been walking with God for years, there’s always room to grow deeper roots and discover the richness of genuine belief.
Take the first step. Ask questions, seek truth, and let God work in every part of your life. Faith that goes deep will help you stand firm, find comfort in uncertainty, and live out the hope and love that God offers to everyone.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 