Belief = More than just acknowledgement...

Our culture uses the word "believe" in such a way that it has lost it's true nuance:

"Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true." {Unknown Author}

{click photo for source}

In the Gospel of John, the use of believe means “to trust.” The Greek word, pisteuō (believe), refers to more than simply an intellectual acknowledgement of a fact, but includes a personal response and commitment to the work of Christ on the cross. This belief is not an instantaneous response, but rather a progression, as demonstrated in the Gospel of John, as one comes to a greater understanding and thus greater belief.

Believe "speaks of 'trust' and suggests reliance upon a truth not merely intellectual acceptance of facts." {Source}

The other key idea that John stresses regarding belief, is the idea that the object or content of the belief is the most important part of belief. John wrote his Gospel in order that his readers might come to belief in Jesus as the Christ, resulting in eternal life. The belief that the world offers is hopeless, as it is not based in the Son of God

To believe something is true is to acknowledge the fact and to act in accordance with that acknowledgment - to rely on the truth of the facts.

There are a number of things I say I believe about God, but if you were to observe how I live, what would you find?

• I say I believe that God is sovereign, yet there are times I worry and am anxious.
• I say I believe that the gospel is the most important message anyone can hear, yet I constantly fail to share it with others.
• I say I believe that God will provide all my needs, yet I often fret over finances.

It is not enough to say that I believe something to be true - I must also live my life in accordance with that belief.

What about you - are your stated beliefs reflected in how you live your life?