I Believe
As a person of faith who wants to be relevant beyond the walls of the church, it can be difficult to make your mark.
You don’t want to be relegated to the white noise of a bible-bashing soap-box preacher, but you also know faith with silence, or half-baked faith is no faith at all.
I believe to be heard, you first have to listen, to understand, to connect with those who see differently, and on their level. To be influential, you have to be influenceable. It’s a delicate balance, as understanding can be misinterpreted as agreeing. This is a balance I often struggle with.
Some time ago, I was presented in a light that was completely at odds to what I believe. The angle taken was backed by good intentions and after a clunky but productive conversation the presentation was changed. Strangely enough, I was grateful as it was a wake-up call to the importance of not just listening and understanding, but also not shying away from expressing who I am and what I believe.
I want to be part of a conversation outside the church of the significance of God. And with a heart that wishes first to understand and connect, but often doesn’t get this right, it’s vital my position of faith in this is very clear.
I am a Christian.
My relationships, love and acceptance for others go far beyond those that have compatible beliefs. I do not accept the modern idea of “whatever works for you” is right - that any path or belief system of ones choosing holds truth. I respect and believe that we have the free will to choose, but I also believe our choices come with responsibilities and consequences.
I believe in God.
I also believe in His son, Jesus Christ and the beautiful Holy Spirit. I believe the Father's heart’s desire is to connect deeply with us and lavish His love upon us.
I also believe in the significance of sin. I believe that the Father's heart has been offended by our sin and that until that offence is dealt with, there is an immovable hurt and disconnect in the Father’s heart towards us. I have seen this in His heart and the difference in His eyes when that offence is removed once and for all. I believe that this heartbreaking sin is removed when we come clean to God, when we turn our backs on sin, ask His forgiveness, recognise Jesus as His son, as the Bible says, and allow Him to be the centre of our hearts and our lives.
I believe there is a spiritual transaction that occurs that removes the offence completely allowing us full and free access to the Father's heart and eternity with Him. Eternity without Him, and everything sourced from Him, no longer confronts us.
I believe that one who has experienced such a spiritual transaction is viewed differently in the eyes of God. I believe this person is seen with the same eyes that God sees His own Son, Jesus, with love, with delight, with joy.
And I believe anyone can receive this free gift when they ask.