Signs Of Believing!

For some, “seeing” is believing. These individuals require some kind of visible proof before they will believe. Jesus came face to face with those who demanded signs ( Matthew 12:38 and 16:1) and Paul referred to such as well. ( 1 Corinthians 1:22)

Then there are those who have learned that “believing” is seeing. Perhaps that most parallels the Hebrew writer’s definition of faith ( Hebrews 11:1), a faith convicted by even the unseen.

Consider a third concept. There are some who may think that “saying” is believing. To verbalize something must mean the one speaking believes it. Right? Not necessarily! Some people speak things knowing what they are saying is not true. Then there are also those who may speak the truth, but still not acknowledge it as such. We have an example of this in the account of an attempt to entrap Jesus with a question regarding the paying of taxes to Caesar.

Note the initial statements of these whom Jesus would call “hypocrites.” ( Matthew 22:18)
“(15) Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his talk. (16) And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE TRUE and TEACH THE WAY OF GOD TRUTHFULLY, and YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT ANYONE’S OPINION, for YOU ARE NOT SWAYED BY APPEARANCES.” ( Matthew 22:15-16 ESV)

These insincere questioners -- in words of flattery before setting their trap with a question that would either diminish Jesus’ popularity among the people or get Him into trouble with the Roman officials -- stated four things about Jesus that were very true. What they said with regard to His character was right! It was unfortunate they did not believe their own words.

First of all, they noted Jesus as being true. How could He be anything but, since He Himself is the Truth. ( John 14:6)

Secondly, they noted Jesus as one who taught the truth of God. Of course He did, after all, Jesus came as “the Word” in the “flesh”, being “full of grace and truth.” ( John 1:1-2, 14)

Thirdly, they noted Jesus as one who was not swayed by the opinions of others. He stuck to His convictions. He loved the Father and came to do exactly what the Father had commanded Him to do. ( John 14:31) Since Jesus’ work was not to please man, but rather to save him (which should be the most pleasing thing to us), His actions were always in complete harmony with the Will of the Father. ( John 5:19)

And finally, they noted Jesus as one who did not judge by appearances. He knew what was within a man ( John 2:25). Jesus could see into the heart and He knew full well what these questioners were up to. Also, when we look at the ministry of Jesus we see how He came into contact with individuals from every level of society of that day. With Him there was no bias, partiality, or prejudice.

All this clearly reveals one can easily speak truths they do not accept or believe! What is it that may be seen as a true sign of believing? True belief impacts the ACTIONS of the life, as can be noted from the example of Abraham and how he was viewed by God. ( Hebrews 11:8-10, 17-19; James 2:14, 19-23) To truly believe is to PUT INTO PRACTICE the principles of God’s Word and seek to please Him above all else. May such belief be clearly evident in our day-to-day living.

Have a great day LIVING THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Belief