It's funny how we seem to be able to manipulate Jesus to be whoever we want. We like to make up our own religion. We will find a random quote and use it back out beliefs. I don't like rich people so I will find a verse that talks about how much God hates the rich.... or I want to save the manatees so I will find the verse that supports taking care of animals.... I think speaking in tongues is the most important thing you can do, so I will find a verse to back it up.
I'm reading a book right now called "The Forgotten God" by Fransis Chan and he made a very valid point: Stop forming your belief and then searching the bible to find something to back it up.... rather, read the bible, and see what you learn. The bible is full of stories and letters and poetry all of which work together to teach us about the character of God and how He interacts with us both in the broad term and in the here and now! Just look at it.... read a CHAPTER not a verse.... better yet, read a BOOK, not a chapter. The bible is not a book filled with one liners to put on a fortune cookie. It is a compilation of authors who all wrote individual books! So read a book! Don't just pick and choose... you wouldnt do that with Hemmingway and expect to understand "A Farewell to Arms" would you? You wouldnt read the three rules for robots and expect to know all about Asimovs stories?
You can believe whatever you want to believe. This is a right given to us by (what I believe) the Creator. However, WATCH OUT. Be careful what you base your beliefs on. Your emotions? Your parents? The trends? Your culture? I ask myself this question every day... If you have closed yourself off to asking the question: "Is what I believe actual fact?" then you have let yourself be deluded by self-centeredness/fear/anger.... etc. Atheists and Theists alike. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, New-Ageists, Spiritualists... Mormons, Watchtower, Presbyterians, Pentecostals.... all of you. Be willing to ask yourself WHY you believe what you believe.
You shoulndt have to work too hard to prove it. If God is who He says he is, (or if your belief system is accurate) then look into it, find out, because the truth will be in the open, it will be unable to hide, truth beckons you to learn and live in reality, to live in what actually is, and not in what you make up. Live in truth I pray, always seek truth, give yourself a chance at life to the fullest!
