If you have a conversation about a subject people have strong feelings about, it won’t be long before they tell you what they think. It may not have any basis in fact, but that is what they “believe” until something changes their mind. What they believe may not make sense to you, but it is their beliefs, not yours. In this era of fake news, political spin and manipulation of public opinion, the basis of their beliefs may not be true. What does it matter what someone believes? The truth won’t change because you believe a lie.
People act on what they believe, so controlling their beliefs is a powerful tool. This powerful tool is used in advertising and controlling what you want, what you buy and how you think it will affect your life. Think about the commercials you see on television. The actors look healthy, happy and successful. The advertiser wants you to believe you will be like them if you use their product or service. It isn’t true, but companies spend fortunes on that type of advertisement because it works.
Politicians definitely want to control what you believe. They repeat catch phrases to improve their image and tear down opponents. The wildest accusations are spread across the media to manipulate your opinion against their opponent. They add “spin” to every subject to cast themselves in the best light. It may not be true, but if you believe, they will get your vote. If your belief is strong enough, they may get your money and you will convince others to believe in your candidate. The image politicians portray may not be accurate, but they spend fortunes changing beliefs because it works.
If you talk to people about GOD, they will quickly tell you their religion or say they don’t believe. For most, their beliefs don’t really matter. They don’t practice the religion they claim or what they believe is wrong. For many it hasn’t changed their life, except to fill their religious check box. For others their hard work won’t change their heart or satisfy GOD.
Non-believers actually have beliefs, but they don’t include GOD. Some are rebelling against a religious experience or are too self-centered to submit to anyone. Others work really hard at their non-belief and want you to follow their lead. Popular culture and higher education have made it more acceptable to be an atheist or agnostic. None of that has changed the truth.
It does take faith to believe, but you must have faith in the truth “and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32 KJV). Believing the truth is the key, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). If you say “I don’t believe that” you are rejecting the truth and you will pay for your own sins with everlasting death. If you truly “believe” you will “have everlasting life” and all the benefits that come with being a child of GOD!
Wayne Lance (2018)