BELIEVE

 
            “What you believe drives everything.” Do you remember those words? Those words were a part of our first Sunday together back in September of this past year as we began this Believe series together. Belief is a powerful assertion and can captivate one’s own understanding of reality and what is true in incredible ways. Consider the example of how many ancient cultures viewed the shape of our Earth. For many generations, ancient peoples understood the Earth to be flat. The thought was that if one ventured too far and reached the edge of the Earth, one would fall off into an abyss never to be seen again. This would make a strong case for one to be a homebody for one’s own safety. It took many years of exploration and understanding to come to the realization that this was just not the case. Imagine what that did to those who had previously misunderstood the reality of our planet! Imagine the newfound freedom, understanding, and purpose that they experienced in knowing that this new view would and could change everything!
            This life, much like this physical world, is so much more than we can imagine or expect at times. A bigger picture of this is in God’s Word. The truths, promises, and message communicated in the pages of Scripture continue to expound on everything that we think possible and rational. Found within it’s pages is a God who lovingly pursues His people to rescue them from their own sin and give them the gift of new life, new understanding, and new vision by which to live by. We have encountered this God this year as we have looked at the nature of who He is, who we are, and how He invites each of us to live as His representatives in the world.
          What a journey it has been as we have been reminded of the essentials of what we believe as children of God. God’s Word has showed us the reality of who He is as a Personal God, as the Author of Life, as the Giver of Identity and Purpose, and as the Head of the Church. It has given us new opportunities to look at our own lives in how we live out of the faith given to us through Christ in ways like prayer, using our God-given gifts, time, and resources, as well as sharing our faith with those around us. And we have spent the past several months looking at the Fruit of the Spirit, which God grows and renews and refines in us daily as we grow closer to Him and His Will. Not only does he promise to help us and walk with us in this renewing process, but He gives us the chance to do that with each other as we share life together.
So, the truth of the matter is this: “What you believe still drives everything.” What you believe about God, His Word, the people around you, the Church, and yourself define and create a reality and perception in your daily life that holds immense power and influence. May our prayer be that we are a people and a community that is constantly being shaped by the Word of our Savior as we are renewed to become more and more like Him each and every day. The Apostle Paul puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 when he says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” May you live, move, and believe in the freedom found in the working of this Spirit.