Transformation

What does it mean to believe in something?

I believe my wife loves me but how do I know this to be true?

John 3:16 says that whoever “believes” will inherit eternal life.  That sounds easy enough.  Okay, I believe.  Done.  On to the next topic…

Is it really this simple?  Well, yes, in some respects it is that simple, but then it gets more complicated.  Now what?

Going back to the question about my wife loving me.  The way I know, and the way I trust my wife loves me is how she interacts with me, and the way she behaves toward me.  Or maybe I should turn this around.  How do I behave toward her?

If I won’t speak to her, or I don’t care what she thinks about things, or I don’t interact with her in a way that shows love toward her, if my attention is toward another, then do I really love her?

Suppose I was away on a trip for many months and she sent me letters and I never read them.  I never picked up the phone to call her and ask how things are at home.  Does this give the impression I really care?

Belief transforms our behaviors.  Belief says we “do” by the way we act.  I don’t act to believe, I act because I believe.

This is why Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commands.”  You can talk about how much you love Christ but outside of your actions, these are just words.

Do you read His letters?  Do you call on Him through prayer?

Are your affections turned toward Him?  This is at the bottom of true belief a transformation from one at enmity toward God to one that loves and desires a close intimate relationship with God through His Son.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1

Kevin