Circumcision was a mark of faith to the Jews.  It said, ‘I belong to God because I belong to His people’.  However, the Jews thought so much about the sign that they forgot what it meant!  Abraham knew that he belonged to God before he was circumcised, because he believed what God had said.  Eventually he was circumcised because God commanded it and, because he believed what God said, he obeyed (James 2:18-24).

So, Paul explained to the mixed Jew/Gentile church in Rome that circumcision was no longer essential when people believed in Jesus. It was faith which mattered, not a physical sign of faith.  But there is a sign that people belong to Jesus; it is not a mark on the body, but obedience to the Word of God.  That is what ‘follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had' means.  The sign that you believe, is that you do what God says (James 2:21-23).

Obedience is a simple concept; so why do we find it so difficult?  The answer must be that we do not believe that God's instruction is the most perfect way for us to live in His love and fulfil our purpose on earth.  It is easier to wear crosses, carry Bibles, give money and go to multiple church services ... than it is for us to obey (1 Samuel 15:22).  

Our fleshly nature hates the idea of freely and gladly placing ourselves under the obligation to obey, as a servant or good employee does.  But if we refuse to do what God says, how can we say that we belong to Him or His family?  That is why the church grows in times of persecution – when nothing is gained by pretending - if you are not real then you will fall away.  So, if we really do believe in Jesus we need to practise obeying what He says (John 14:23-24).  That is the true mark of faith.