Why Believe?

It's been a long time since Mrs. Reynold's ninth grade World History Class. We not only studied history, but also the culture, location, and religion of many countries. I remember being fascinated by how many different religions existed. What they believe, their traditions, their origins. As a new follower of Christ, I only had a basic understanding of Christianity. I concluded the world had so many different religions because God gave people a deep spiritual longing to pursue how we became to be, why we exist, and what happens after death.

History is pretty cool. Don't you agree? Different ways of doing life in different time periods and different places. There is so much to learn from history. It's amazing to look at past choices by a country or their leaders and then the direct results of those choices over time. I could certainly use a refresher course with an update since ninth grade.

But I must confess that I don't remember much about those other religions and that my focus hasn't been on religion anyway. It's been on relationship.

I mentioned in previous post about having a rough childhood. At the age of thirteen, the dysfunction monster came into my life in a huge way. Chaos, fear, and turmoil settled at my address. Occasional church attendance ceased. At fifteen and the end of ninth grade, I prepared to be a mother. Several tumultuous years followed. I didn't forget or blame God. Even in the toughest of times, I knew He was still there rooting for me. I prayed for life to get better. And over time, it did.

In my early twenties, I finally became active in a local church and started growing spiritually. Not in religion but in relationship with Christ. 

There's a huge difference. 

Religion is a shared system of beliefs. It's about regulations, requirements, and adherence to particular beliefs. Relationship is about God's grace and His desire to grow us more like His Son. Relationship is about mutual Love.

Photo by Carrie Barker

Why believe? 

Because a relationship with the Creator changes everything. 

Over the last thirty years, His Light has healed wounds, changed my attitude, and provided opportunities beyond my ability to dream.  In hindsight, I see where He led me to people, places and things to "grow me up spiritually." Like to the Enneagram, to the Emmaus Walk and to mission trips. His Spirit has nudged, counseled, and forewarned me along the way.

And not because of my adherence to any religion, but because of His love for relationship resulting in my continual, growing belief in Him.

This time of year we again celebrate the anniversary of a birth. CHRISTmas.

Two thousand years ago, a tiny, baby boy born to a Virgin came to relate with each of us. Jesus is the intermediary between His heavenly Father and mankind. He left Paradise to endure the human experience offering the perfect way of relationship between the Trinity and flawed earthlings. He opened the gates of heaven and eternity for all who believe.

Are there other world religions that are centered on agape love and an abiding relationship with the Creator? I'm not sure. You see, I'm in a committed relationship with the King of Kings. My deep spiritual longings are fulfilled and blessed by Him.

How? Tune in next week.  

Do you believe? Why? What's your favorite memory of Christmas? Please share.

Tammy Van Gils is a writer, blogger, and co-owner of S & N Paint Contractors, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. In the Richmond area, she is a member of The Christian Writers Hub and Word Weavers Richmond. Visit her Facebook Page, Pinterest and Twitter @Tammyvangils.