The Bible emphasizes the importance of shared beliefs in spiritual matters. 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) advises, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" While this verse specifically addresses spiritual unity, it's often applied to relationships, suggesting the importance of partnering with someone who shares similar convictions and dedication to following Christ.

Exactly what does it mean to believe in Him while not following His ways? Can one who doesn’t follow in His ways be really said to be a believer in Him? John answers here: “Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬