Believe?

Today's Scripture

This original painting, by Jen Norton is available at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/but-who-do-you-say-that-i-am-jen-norton.html

We all know the old saying "words are cheap." Jesus reinforces this over and over in His teachings. He frequently says that He comes to DO the will of the father, not to agree with it (although He does). Believing, in the mind of Jesus, involves doing. Our physical bodies live out what our heart and souls believe in a way that is uniquely human.

To believe in Jesus then, is not to take and oath, or a profession of faith, but to do all that He commands. This is what brings eternal life: the pursuit of knowing and loving and believing, with our lives, in Jesus.

If we take this a step further, Jesus also says that to love him is to keep his commands. What are some of these commands? Here is a quick list (not comprehensive - but a good start):

• Repent and believe in the Gospel (the Good News that heaven is our true home and Jesus is our way to it).

• Love God with all your heart, your mind, your soul and your strength (that's all)

• Love your neighbor as yourself

• Forgive others (not seven times, but 70 times 7)

• Let your light shine

• Eat His body and drink His blood - do it in remembrance of Him

• Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and imprisoned

• Make disciples of all nations

Once you finish with all of those, there are more. This can feel a bit daunting, and for many, it means that their status of being 'saved' or having a future in heaven is in doubt. Well, Jesus does not expect perfection (otherwise, He would not have died for our imperfections), but He wants us to keep pursuing, because that's what we would do if we truly believe in Him.

I think a fair question to ask ourselves is this: Would anyone looking at me know that I am Christian? What evidence would they have? Would they know that I believe in Jesus?

EASTER CHALLENGE: Use the name of Jesus (not in vain). You may be surprised with how challenging this might be in your everyday circumstances. We tend to want to use more generic terms: faith, church, God. When we use His name, we demonstrate our love for Him and His importance in our lives. Perhaps an occasional 'thank you Jesus' is a way to start.