Believe

Believe

For God so loved the world that whosoever believes in him would have everlasting life.
John 3:16 NIV

One might think that believing is well enough, but it isn't. There is more to believing in Christ than mere cognizance, for even demons claim belief (James 2:19). I think we assume closeness with God just because we have learned about Him, but nothing could be farther from the truth. I can read all about a man, knowing the facts and accomplishments of his life. But if I have never met him, never spent significant time with him, how can I know the fine details of his identity? You need an ongoing personal encounter to know the truth.

Knowing Christ is sort of a labor of love. I need to wade through a multitude of misconceptions and lies that surround him before even getting a glimpse of the real Jesus. Foremost, I need to get over his outrageous claims; "Can he really rebuild the temple in three days? Is he really "from heaven" or just an illegitimate child?" Jesus' claims about himself are so radical that he is either a megalomaniac, crazy or... they are true. And when one finds that his claims are true, is that enough? I don't think it is.

Until you have added the essential ingredient, simply believing in him is useless. The missing ingredient is y.o.u. Until you have invested yourself into God, you will never know Him. I wonder how many people follow the sacraments, keep the law and speak the lingo and think they have God's approval? God could raise up stones to follow the law and offer platitudes. But what the Father really desires is you, all of you, the real you.

Just maybe, belief is when we place ourselves completely in God's hands, no matter the cost. At least, that is what Christ did, and I imagine God would expect nothing less from us... to fully believe.