What We Believe and Why We Believe it Matters!

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. 

Proverbs 4:23      

I have spoken on this proverb and quoted it several times. It is very poignant and gives some very wise and pertinent wisdom. The Bible tells us that what we believe determines our behavior. If there are things in your life you want to change, you don’t change them from the outside in. You change them from the inside out. Thus, Paul reminds us,  "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom 12:2 ).  Transformation begins in the spirit, and forms the foundation of what we do in body.  This is why we must learn the process of not seeking our own will and desires, or what the world wants.  For the spiritually minded person, it is when God's will is sought and God's glory seen in our hearts and lives that we truly live. God's mind becomes our mind. 

Pro 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he who keeps the law, he is blessed."  When you don’t have God’s view in your spirit, you stumble all over yourself. The proverb states and teaches that when you pay attention to God’s revelation, that you are blessed. And God expects us to not only know what we believe and why you believe it but also to be able to explain it to other people. Peter teaches,  “Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you. But do it courteously and respectfully” (1 Pet.3:15).  Our world needs people who can explain effectively to others what they believe, because most of the people in the world don’t have a clue what they really believe, much less why they believe it.Whether they show it or not, the world is desperate to hear about something they can believe in, because everything that is in the world involves lust of flesh, eyes, or egotistical pride.  Sometimes, it just takes you being obedient and telling others about God's peace in your own life for them to hear truth.

 

In the beginning, God told man   "And Jehovah God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (Gen 2:15).  He expected them to take care of and manage what He had given them. He held them responsible for it, and he expects us to do the same with our spirits. 

  

What about you? What do the causes and pursuits you care about most reflect about how well God's word resides in you? What do you tell others when they ask what is different about you and why?

Jim