Does What I Believe Really Matter?

Does what I believe in really make a difference?

When reading this question, your immediate response, as a Christian, will most probably be an enthusiastic: Yes. Of course!

First, I agree with you. Second, let’s dig deeper. Because I think the answer to this question will prove itself vital and inherent to the way we continue to live our lives.

Now, this topic has accompanied me for a while. In fact, it emerged from a whole list of questions including: does this religion I believe in really make a difference in the life I’m living, does being a Christian make me a “better person,” and do people see that my life is genuinely different because I believe in God?

I, myself, have known wonderfully kind and honest individuals who were not Christians, and they seemed to be much better persons than some fellow believers. Sadly, I have also heard many non-believers tell me: I know people who are not Christian and they are lovelier than you bunch. Ouch, that one hurt. But they do have a point.

The answer to all these inquires seems obvious: Christians ought to be different. I mean: a city on a hill, salt and light of the earth, remember? So yes, we should be different, but why so? It is not that being a Christian should make us different, our being in this world, as a person of faith, should make a profound and lasting difference.

Scripture tells us that our lives, as believers, should look different in the following areas.

How we treat ourselves — Our faith makes a difference in how we see and care for ourselves. While we might not always excel at this, we are called to a higher standing, a higher calling, and essentially a better version of ourselves. If we ground our identity in God, we are encouraged to transform into the person he has created us to be. Not only are we changed for the better, but we are created anew (2 Cor 5:17).

I don’t know about you, but I crave a new start from time to time. Fun fact: we have this offer every single day. Seen with eyes of perfect love, God does not us consider who we were, how many times we failed, and never tried again. Instead, without dismay, he inspires us to grow a little bit more and in the process find ourselves in him: pursued by unconditional love.

How we treat others — You guessed it! We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). But you know its true. We were created out of love and for love. Have you ever loved someone so much that you begin to love what they love, even if you wouldn’t in any other possible or impossible universe? Yet, if you cherish someone you will essentially care for what they care for.

It's the same with God. When we remain close to his heart, our hearts will beat for the same things that his heart “beats” for. Having been given love ever so freely, our faith should make a difference in the way we extend affection and devotion to others.

How we engage with God — Scripture is quite clear on this one: faith is essential (Heb 11:6). It is our gateway and means also known as “by grace through faith" (Eph 2:8). Our relationship with God should make a visible difference in our lives because it is counter-cultural and definitely other-worldly. This sounds more intimidating then it should. However, where there is hate, we are called to love (Matt 5:39-43). Where there is despair, we are called to hope (Heb 6:19).

In sum, a life of faith can and should make a difference. Why? Because our lives are multiple reflections of profound hope, everlasting truth, incomparable peace, steadfast joy, and unconditional love. If this will not make a change in the world then what will?

The gorgeous Savannah, pictured above, is a Pepperdine University alum, Christian scholar, and graphics/web creative based in Austria. xo