Have you ever stopped to consider, why do you believe the things you believe? Who taught you these core values? What do you really believe? Some of us had the fortune of being raised in a home where "decent" core family values were at least taught, even if they weren't "lived". Many of us have held on to beliefs passed down from our family, and yet we really don't know what we believe or even Why.

This is something that needs to be addressed before we go about spouting off about other people's beliefs or concepts or moral values. Aaron Tippin, country superstar, sang a song "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything!" No truer words were ever spoken. This wonderful planet we live on, this country we live in, espouses diversity in culture. Without a firm grasp on our personal beliefs, we can find ourselves in a cultural whirlpool where personal values are swirled in with cultural and theological differences until we won't know what we believe.

Now before you get your dander up or your undergarments constricted into an embarrassingly uncomfortable position, re-read what I wrote. I am not promoting anything other than for you to examine your belief legacy. Where do your beliefs come from? Once you Identify that, then take them to the Bible and make sure that they line up with the word of God. It's no different than studying the geneology of your family. I am asking you to trace your beliefs back to the beginning. Knowing this, knowing the Why the Who and the What you believe, helps your sense of spiritual identity. If there is anything that doesn't line up with the word of God, you can ask Him to help you correct what needs to be corrected and show you what He has established as important for you.

When you are rock solid in who you are spiritually, it frees you. It empowers you to discuss with others their beliefs without condemning their differences. It also allows them to see your consistent truth because when you know it, you live it fully without vacillating back and forth. That spiritual confidence, NOT ARROGANCE, is crucial to your being what could be the only Jesus some people have or will ever see.

Regardless of doctrinal background, own it. Don't accept it just because it was "the way we always did it". Even parents make mistakes, because their parents and their parents and so forth and so on, are only human. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Make sure that you're lined up with the Truth of the Living Word of God.

Joshua 24:15 says it best.

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve , whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

This is as clear as it gets. Choose this day who you will serve. What you believe and why you believe it. That's the Grace and Strength Lifestyle!

As for me and my house...

Pray Seek Believe Receive

David Michael Rose

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* Individual results may vary.