We Believe...Don't We?

“I'm just tired of hearing about God all the time. What has He got to do with anything?... I'm not going to be immoral or commit crimes because I don't believe. I don't even think about that. I just get so tired of Him getting the credit for things the human race achieves through its own effort. Now, there simply is no God. There's only man. And it's he who makes miracles.”  -from Beneatha's argument with her mother about God in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry .

There are those who are believers of God, and those who are not. There are those who live their lives committed to God, and others who choose to follow their own path. Maybe you're somewhere in the middle; safely tucked away inside that safe, gray-colored area of the Venn diagram? Which one of these describes you?

The Bible is crystal clear as far as what we should believe in. It doesn't beat around the bush, nor does it use any cute metaphors to explain it. Plainly and simply, we need to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He was sent to be our only way to heaven. He's our Redeemer and our Savior. And, without question, He's the path, not one of the paths (John 1:7; John 20:31).

If someone approached you and asked, "What does it mean to believe?" How would you answer? Look, believing isn't just the act of stating some fact, or giving the right answer on an exam that pays off in the end. And, it certainly isn't learning, and reciting some magical mumbo-jumbo that's supposed to fix all here in this life; and give you a non-stop pass to heaven when you die. No, believing goes much deeper than that.

Beloved, you and I come equipped with some beliefs about the state of reality that shapes our lives. For instance, if you believe that you are ten feet tall, then you'll duck every time you walk through a doorway. If you believe that the world is a corrupt and dangerous place, you won't be very eager to step out into it. Instead, you might end up becoming skittish and withdrawing from life altogether.

In order to believe in Jesus Christ, we must hold onto life-shaping beliefs that we learn through Him; and in turn, let those beliefs shape our lives. It's totally up to you (and I) to decide whether Jesus  is the one who has shown us the truth about reality, or not.

Yes, we believe, but we sometimes … don’t believe. In other words, we might believe with our intellect, but not so much with our heart. Therefore, believe that Jesus is Lord, and admit to yourself that He's your Savior. Go on...surrender your heart to Him; and then demonstrate His eternal love to others.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-7; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Matthew 7:21-23; John 1:1-3; John 3:16-17

Prayer: Dear Father, I ask you to help me be strong. I want to forgive those who have done me wrong, and live a life of happiness. I ask for the strength; as forgiveness can be difficult when hurt feelings start to surface. Amen

May your day be blessed,

Kristi