There is a huge danger in convincing ourselves that our beliefs are sincere if they have no impact on how we live.
For example. A man may say, “I believe in the importance of family. Nothing matters more to me than my family.” But if he turns around and accepts a higher paying job even though it will require a lot more time away from his family, he has revealed what he really believes.
If a person says they believe it’s important to eat right and exercise but they choose to eat unhealthily and procrastinate any serious exercise, they haven’t revealed their true belief.
A belief, no matter how sincere if not reflected in reality, isn’t a belief; it’s a delusion. “What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14)
