The Case of Belief

What do you believe in? No doubt you believe in the duck-billed platypus, although you’ve probably not held one. Certainly, you believe in the existence of George Washington or Aristotle without shaking their hands.

Most likely, these beliefs and many others you hold do not alter the way you live your life. Acknowledging the existence of Genghis Khan does not change the way you treat your waitress, but belief in gravity does affect the care with which you step on an icy stairway.

More Than Mere Acknowledgment

While there’s a belief which is no more than mental assent, there’s quite a different type of belief by which we order our actions and thoughts. Our English word is not quite adequate for the type of belief Jesus charges us with in John 14:1.

When He says, “Believe in God; believe also in Me,” He is not urging us to merely acknowledge divine existence. He’s asking us to order our existence around the reality of our sin and His holiness. This is a call for the steadfast and steady to remain and abide in His love.

The Master of The Wild

The sweet assurance Jesus gives in this belief is that we do not have to be troubled. Despite the horrors of the world around us, the suffering we may currently endure, and even the wretchedness of our own fickle hearts, we can trust in God’s sovereignty over it all. He doesn’t leave us lost in the wild; He is the Master of the wild.

So, friend, believe. Not in the way the demons believe—for they also believe in the Christ—but believe in Him as you believe the ground beneath your feet will remain firm with each successive step. Believe that He is equally solid and secure and will hold you through whatever you face.

Now What?

Make a list of beliefs you hold that change the way you do life. Pray through these, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there are any you should add or take away. Then, do what He says and trust Him with the results.

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