Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you’re not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you’re out of line. If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong. Romans 14:22-23 (MSG)
Your beliefs don’t save you. Only the grace of Jesus Christ through faith does that (Eph. 2:8). But your beliefs will determine your effectiveness in living life.
As your beliefs come closer to the truth, you come closer to reality. And as you face reality, you come to know and better interact with the God who created reality.
So beliefs will either move you closer to know God or further way from having a deeper relationship with HIM.
This is why I don’t get bent out of shape when people’s beliefs don’t agree with what I have proven to myself to be. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe they know something I don’t know. But then like an effective scientist, we test the hypothesis of the belief. If it is built on good logic and reason, then we will experiment with the matter. We will put it to the test.
Of course, I will continue to keep my present beliefs in place until proven otherwise. Why? Because they have been tested over time. So there must be something else in the equation before I even begin to even consider the option to deconstruct or reconstruct them.
Beliefs are less important than the Faith you have in God. Belief typically has to do with truth in dealing with life. Faith though is trusting the God of reality that HE loves us, wants what is good for us, and will act on our behalf so HIS goodness may be manifested for all to witness. My faith is a gift from HIM and built on the evidence of Scripture, others, and my walk with Jesus.
So if someone doesn’t agree with your beliefs, that is OK. State your position and why. If he or she is a sibling in the family of God and walks with Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they are in good hands. God will eventually show them or you which belief is more real than not. Until then, love them as God has loved you. Remember when we were ignorant and our beliefs were totally out of sync with God’s truth?
Life is a learning process preparing you for eternity. The hunt to determine which beliefs are pertinent and important and which are not may take a lifetime. But meanwhile, we are leaning on our God and building an intimate, interactive relationship with HIM. Which is of greater value? Having the right belief or having a strong relationship with our eternal Father? It is always your choice.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Books By Dr. Mike:
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life!
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
Radical In Christ 