What You Believe Matters

    In a recent survey, 60% of Americans said their religious beliefs are very meaningful to them and make a difference in how they live. With the remaining 40% of the country guided only by what seems right in their own eyes, is it any wonder we allow the death of millions of babies, tolerate the devaluation of marriage, and turn a blind eye to violence in the home?

    Our belief system governs our lifestyle and choices?it is the foundation from which we form our opinions and make decisions. For Christians, it is absolutely essential to know what we believe and why. Many people inherit their convictions from their parents and simply absorb those ideas without really investigating them. For instance, we hear, "My dad supported the union so I support the union," "My mother was Republican so I am Republican," and so on.

    But to be certain our system of thinking is accurate, we must base it on the Word of God and not on habit, culture, or even family heritage. A belief system is like a mental grid through which all outside information must pass. If our mental grid has been built on the truth of the Bible, then we can detect false doctrine and philosophy.

    Unfortunately, false doctrine is usually mixed up with just enough truth to make it sound good. Many Christians who are not grounded in their faith are easily led astray by ideas that are genuinely too good to be true. They eagerly support an agenda that is inconsistent with God's Word because it offers license to live according to one's own desires. (2 Timothy 4:3)

    Another reason Christians should know their convictions is so that they can present those beliefs convincingly to others. While it is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring the lost to Christ, God chooses to use our voice and mind to instruct unbelievers in the way of truth. Our world is full of people who are desperate, lonely, and hurting. They yearn for the amazing hope that we have. But they desire hope sourced in truth, not on someone else's opinion.

    There is no question that our society is permeated with godless ideas and philosophies that can ultimately destroy us. But if our belief system is based upon the Scriptures, we will recognize deceitful teaching when we hear it and can address real needs with real answers.