Am I ready to believe?
Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” – John 6:29
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:3
Belief is an essential part of our Christian experience. It goes far beyond mental assent or merely acknowledging facts. It is giving up control over our lives to one who is stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. It is simple, but not easy. Very often I find myself in the position of the father in Mark 9:24 having to cry out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
A good example of belief is the idea of leaning one’s whole weight upon the object of faith. If I believe, trust and have faith that this chair can support me then I can rest my whole weight on it. Again in an active sense, if I trust and have hope that what I am doing can be done I can put my whole weight behind the effort.
Our beliefs shape us, they determine our actions and reactions. What I believe about the past informs my present and shapes my future. What I believe today shapes how I perceive the past and how I face the future. The future is determined by what I have believed day by day.
The Bible has a lot to say about who we are, where we come from and where we are going. Much of what it says flatly contradicts the messages we get from secular education, media and marketing. The important question is, do I believe the world or do I believe the Bible?
Probably, it’s a mixed bag. As I get to know the word of God and myself and the world I make choices, create results and gain experience. Since I am limited many of my choices will be poor, with undesirable results. With the help of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God I can make new, better choices each day.
Sometimes it’s hard to let go of a belief that is not serving us well. It could be pride or fear or simply not knowing what else to believe. Sometimes the Word of God contrasts so sharply with conventional wisdom that leaning into it seems like foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:25, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
What does Scripture clearly teach that we have trouble believing? Do I truly believe that God loves me? Do I believe that God likes me? Am I in control of my life or can I give the reins to God? Am I trying to please God by following rules or do I trust that rules or no rules He is pleased with me?
As we go forward with this series there are truths about the Christian life that are simply not capable of being comprehended without the Word and the Spirit working to change us from within. The readiness to believe, trust, lean into, have faith in the transformative work of Christ is essential to getting anything other than another guilt trip or religious pride out of this study. For next week, ask yourself seriously, am I ready to believe?
brotherpayne 