If I may give another example: putting one's fingers in his ears, closing his eyes, humming and jumping up and down all the while saying to himself "I believe" does not make it so.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1
The person who actually takes God seriously, who actually believes Him will behave that way, e.g. no minister who actually believes God IS would defy Him by engaging in homosexual behavior (Romans 1, etc.) And I do see an important difference between believing God IS and trusting Him.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. - James 2:9
The one who trusts God will walk into a den of hungry lions if God leads him there. You won't catch him doubting God, complaining, being fearful or worrying for he has surrendered to God's will. (Hebrews 11) Of course we don't have to deal with execution for our faith (yet) but there is other evidence whereby we can know whether we are trusting Him, i.e. following Him (Romans 8, John 15, I Cor 2, etc.):
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
If others do not see all of these Spiritual fruits in our lives then we are still self-serving and have more to give up.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. - Philippians 2:12
To God be the glory, not man, never man.
"If others do not see all of these Spiritual fruits in our lives then we are still self-serving and have more to give up." What then are we to make of those, Protestant and Catholic alike, who utilize these threads for nothing more than a platform and venue in which to insult, ridicule and inflame using the most profane and fallacious language and imagery. Those who reference refuted sources and who repeat any unsubstantiated rumor that paints their perceived antagonists in the worst light? Those who demand answers again and again and again yet refuse to accept or acknowledge them? Will you rebuke them equally regardless of religious affiliation or in the tradition of the Religion Forum adhere to the unchristian principle of "my enemies enemy is my friend"?