Our beliefs impact our thoughts, emotions, and actions. What we believe to be true has power over us! Lea Carawan

When we believe something that is not true, it still directs our thoughts and behaviors. We can be deceived or misunderstand what is happening, and still use those ideas to develop our belief system. Our personal convictions steer our course. What is actually true does not matter in regard to our behavior, but what we believe to be true. If we believe a lie and act on it, we open ourselves up to the negative consequences of that lie.

The thoughts that have the biggest impact on our actions, are those with an emotion attached to them. That is why our childhood experiences have such a great impact on who we become and what we believe to be true. If we experience love, we grow to believe in ourselves and our own value as a person. If what we experience is rejection, neglect, ridicule and bullying, it will have a lasting impact on how we view ourselves and others. Our worldview is formed by both our conscious and unconscious beliefs and assumptions. You cannot choose personal change by sheer willpower. Only in allowing God’s love to heal our souls and change what we believe, can we experience lasting transformation. Our emotional responses to situations, thoughts, and experiences, come from what we believe and value. At our core, what we believe about God and ourselves will impact us the most.

Our beliefs are constantly being evaluated as we hear, see, and experience life. Are we being reshaped by passively letting culture and experience teach us, or are we actively determining our beliefs through the lens of truth from the Bible? Scripture gives us the view that leads to life.

Romans 12:2 ESV “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

John 3:17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

How then, should we respond when we are exposed to a Bible verse that conflicts with our experience, understanding, or tradition? Where is the truth that will form our belief, opinion and action? There are 4 common views of God that are believed in America, according to a poll conducted by Gallup and Baylor University. Can you identify with one of these views?

• The Benevolent God: That God is engaged with man, but does not judges at all. This view confuses tolerance with love.

• The Critical or Just God: That God is the ultimate judge, but that he does not engage with us in this lifetime.

• The Distant God: God is neither engaged nor judging. That he set the world in motion and let's it unfold without interference.

• The Balanced God: God is fully engaged and actively judging right and wrong now, and in the life to come. This view sees God as a judge with a heart of love: a personal God.

John 8:31-32 ‘So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”’

What you believe matters! It will inform your opinions, values and priorities. It will affect your thoughts about God’s character, and your own self-worth. Perhaps it is time for you to reflect on what you truly believe about life, yourself, and others. God’s love has the power to heal your heart and change your direction if you allow Him to reveal the truth that sets you free. His love is available to you today!