What if the most important question isn’t what you believe, but who you are becoming because of what you believe?
On this episode of Like It Matters Radio, Mr. Black explores the connection between identity, belief, behavior, and the people and environments that shape us. With an election approaching, this conversation goes beyond politics to address a deeper question of faith: Does the way we live reflect the identity we claim?
Drawing from James 2 and the relationship between faith and works, Mr. Black challenges the idea that believing the right things is enough. Faith isn’t simply a collection of statements or theological positions. It’s something that expresses itself through our choices, actions, and treatment of others.
He also revisits a powerful teaching from longtime pastor W. A. Criswell about the devil appearing as an impressive, orthodox believer. The lesson? Knowing Christian doctrine and identifying with the church are not the same as surrendering your life to Christ.
This episode explores:
• Identity before behavior: Why lasting change begins with who you believe you are, not simply what you try to do.
• The power of environment: How relationships, culture, and social pressure shape our beliefs and decisions.
• Faith in action: Why genuine belief must move beyond words into the way we live.
• The danger of complicity: How approving, celebrating, or enabling wrongdoing can become a moral responsibility, even when we aren’t the ones committing it.
• The influence of leadership: Why what leaders permit, reward, ignore, and celebrate eventually shapes the culture around them.
Mr. Black challenges Christian listeners to examine not only their personal conduct, but also the people and principles they support. As the election approaches, he calls believers to evaluate their choices through the lens of Scripture rather than political loyalty, cultural pressure, or personal convenience.
Because the question isn’t simply whether you believe in Jesus.
It’s whether your identity, convictions, and actions reflect the One you claim to follow.
Belief shapes identity. Identity shapes behavior. And behavior reveals what we truly value.
Inspiration. Education. Application.
When you live your life like it matters… it does. It’s the WAY OF WARRIOR!
