Belief versus Believing

What's the difference you may ask? I asked myself the same question. To believe is to accept something as true or real. A belief is the acceptance by the mind that something is real, but it is underpinned by an emotional or spiritual sense of certainty. I guess you are saying, "Okay...?" right about now. Let's think about this.

I believe in alot of things, but never give that thing much thought. I believe men walked on the moon in the '60's, I believe that when I flip my light switch, the lights will come on. I accept a lot of things to be true or real. They may or may not have a thing to do with my life, but I believe them. How many folks do you know that you can ask them if they believe in Christ, and they will gladly answer you a definitive, "YES!" But, in no way do you see it change their lifestyle? Just because you believe in Jesus, it doesn't mean you have a relationship with Him! That is just 'head knowledge'. I believe that when I flip the light switch, my light will come on, but don't ask me anything about electricity.........I don't have any knowledge or relationship with electricity, I only have 'head knowledge'. I believe it will turn my light on, nothing more.

Now, my beliefs.........that's a different story. A belief is a seed that has been planted in your heart. It starts out as believing, but runs deeper. One day as a 7 yr. old girl, my believing in Christ changed into my belief in Him. He became my personal Saviour, and I then received 'heart knowledge' of him. Beliefs are 'heart knowledge'. Not only do I believe in Jesus, but I now have a belief in Him!

As you walk your christian walk, you will run into many who will tell you they believe in Jesus. In the meantime they live no different. But once Christ becomes their 'belief'.......you'll start seeing changes in them.........why...........because now, their heart has gotten involved! Like I said earlier, I believe in electricity, I see how it affects my surroundings. But that doesn't mean I know anything about electricity. A deacon at my church, he works for the electric company, he has a belief in electricity. He works with it day in and day out, he knows how it works.........he has a relationship with it!

I praise God for that day that my believing... head knowledge, became my belief... heart knowledge! Matthew 7:21-23 speaks of this. Jesus says, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Dear friend, it is not enough to just believe in Jesus, you MUST have a personal relationship with Him! Believe in Christ, believe that He sent His only Son to die on an old rugged cross, believe that that Son shed His blood gladly for you.............but then make it your Belief! Accept Him into your heart...............you will NEVER regret it!!