What does it mean to believe? For all practical purposes, “believe” has come to mean, “believe like me.” And the more I thought about this the more it seemed that believers had come to represent the opposite of what they should be.
What if believing meant that I had to be open to more ways of understanding truth than I have now? Would I believe?
What if believing meant I had to admit to being wrong much of the time? Would I believe?
What if believing meant I had to hang out with people who think differently than I do? Would I believe?
What if believing meant that no one was my enemy – I had no one to fight but the devil. Would I believe?
What if believing meant that my sin was far more important for me to deal with than anyone else’s? Would I believe?
What if believing made things more complicated instead of more simple? Would I believe?
What if believing didn’t explain everything? Would I believe?
What if believing was more about questions than answers? Would I believe?
What if believing meant I had a lot to learn? Would I believe?
What if believing meant I had to change? Would I believe?
What if believing meant I had to love all the people I currently hate? Would I believe?
What if believing meant exceeding my capacity to give back? Would I believe?
What if believing meant coming in last? Would I believe?
John Fischer The Catch 
So true, John. Sometimes I find myself using my beliefs as a smugful comfort zone, rather than a platform for self-challenge and growth. Unchecked, a close mindedness that certainly would not attract anyone to my belief system.
I think you hit it on the head that love is the key. Some of us might benefit to realize the other guy is not the enemy and winning is not the ultimate goal. (at least winning for the sake of pounding our “truths” into the other guy). I think believing is not winning at all and when it becomes so, we might be just trying to take the easy way out by convincing ourselves.
Wow!! This one really cut straight to the heart. Makes one really stop to think what being a Christian really means. It’s really not all about me (or you, or anyone else). Being a Christian is believing even when it hurts to,or is not the “politically correct” thing to do.
Your daily catch really inspires me on a daily basis. Thank God for you and the work you do for Him by making us think about His things and His ways.
Hi John, I’ve been re-evaluating what it means to be a Believer for a little while now. Great questions. What if believing meant that many of the church’s fundamental and traditional tenets were challenged? What if believing meant you really did have to die to yourself, your ego, your values, your desires, your preferences, your opinions and replace them with someone else’s? Kim
Your insights challenge me on a daily basis to think outside of the norm – the egocentric-ism of Christianity today. Thank you for not being afraid to say the hard things, or ask the hard questions.
I’ve been following you long before The Catch, and appreciate your candor and integrity.
Thank you.
John, I can’t remember if I have written you of two songs I find myself humming and singing after some of the mean spirited emails I have rec. about politics and religion. Paul Thorn does 2 songs. One is called I hope I’m doing this Right and another You might be wrong. I am a believer on the journey with Christ but some of my friends are practicing some hateful doctrines in the name of Christ.