Why What You Believe Matters?

"Seeing is Believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are things we can not see"- The Conductor

The Polar Express, released in 2004, is a story of a young boy who is doubtful of the reality of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve a mysterious train pulls in front of his home offering him a trip to the North Pole to see for himself if Santa is real. Tom Hanks was featured in the film, doing the voice over for 5 of the characters in the movie. As the movie concludes the Hero Boy does indeed come to discover the "reality" of Santa. The movie has become a class Christmas movie.

There's much to admire about the sentiment to believe. Our beliefs are central to who we are as people. As Jesus arrived that first Christmas we read in Matthew 2 some believed and wanted to worship like the Magi, while others with more information ignored Him.

Your Beliefs Matter - but most of us fail to appreciate why they matter. Here's a couple ideas for your consideration:

1) Our actions, how we live, choices we make, are all tied to what we really believe. Advertisers know this and tailor there advertisements to appeal to our emotions, which in turn fuel our actions. It's why negative self talk is so harmful, for what we repeatedly tell ourselves we'll begin to act on. When you read much of the New Testament you'll discover that often the writer began by focusing and who Jesus is to us, what He has done for us, how much He cares and loves us. Then there was instruction on behavior. Because you believe this, then behave like this...

2) I can appreciate the conductor's sentiment that "sometimes the most real things in the world are things we can not see." Things like love, joy, justice come to mind. These are all inward qualities that work themselves out in our actions.

Finally, one of the more pivotal moments in the movie is when the boy must decide to board the train or not. He has to take a step of action. This Christmas season you may be on the fence about a matter. Maybe it's something you feel the Lord directing you to do. Let me encourage you that you may not see the result you desire until you decide to trust and obey.

Jesus said to Thomas in John 20, "Because you have seen me you believe, but blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." That's you and I today friend. Jesus calls you blessed. Together let's continue to trust the One who has gotten us this far and promises to see us Home. His name is Jesus. Immanuel. God with Us!

See You Sunday Friend!
Pastor Mike

PS - On Sunday the new flooring will be installed. It's looking awesome! This past Sunday one of newer guests left us a gift towards the campaign. When I quizzed him a bit as to why, knowing he was kinda new around here, he said he wanted to be a part and appreciated our transparency about where his money would go. Grateful for your kindness and generosity!