What Do You Believe?

What do you believe? Ask any child about what Santa Claus does at Christmas and you will hear all about presents, elves, reindeer and a sleigh. Ask a football fanatic about the Superbowl and they will give you details about the players and all the stats leading up to the game. Ask a dance enthusiast about who won 2007’s Dancing With the Stars, and they will be able to describe intricate steps and beautiful costumes worn by the dancers. We get excited about the things that deeply interest us, and because we are excited about these things, we easily discuss them and make them a part of our life.

So, what do you believe? What is it that you wake up thinking about and ponder before you go to bed? How often do matters of faith emerge in your thoughts during the day? That’s a lot of questions but I hope you will stop a moment and take an inventory of the books you read and the shows you watch, and then look at how they influence your daily discussions with others. Perhaps you look at your Bible during the week or even do a daily devotional, even so, what do you believe?
When was the last time you shared your thoughts about Christ with someone? Some people are hesitant to discuss their faith because they aren’t sure of what they believe. Yes, many of us can recite the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostle's Creed, but when someone asks what it means to be a Christian, some Christians stumble after offering, “It means believing in Jesus” as their sole proclamation of faith.

I’m not suggesting that we should be prepared to give a complete theological account of Christian beliefs and Methodist doctrine at the drop of a hat. However Christians should have an understanding of why they call themselves “Christian”. If you have never read the book of John, take time to read it (or even read it again) and notice the journey of faith taken by the disciples. They followed, questioned, served, believed, doubted and then received restoration. They listened to the Risen Christ (Acts 1:8) and then went out to the ends of the earth to share what they personally knew about Christ and His saving grace.

I challenge you to read your Bible, to pray for understanding, and for the boldness to speak about what it is you believe, not as a street-corner shouter, but as a loving friend who cares enough to share what is important in your life.

(reprinted from A Note From Valerie in Bellaire UMC's "The Vine" on 1/23/08)