Do Not Believe

John 10:37 Do no believe me unless I do the works off my father.

We all need an ‘out’ now and then, a reason to say “No” when we aren’t sure about a “Yes.” Social pressures can build to the point where we feel like we don’t have a choice in our answer. We feel like we must yield to the crowd’s pressure.

But those are usually the times when a “No” is really needed. So often the crowd gets it wrong. The crowd doesn’t even think at that point. And the crowd makes the worst possible choice in that moment.

That is because opposing points of view are necessary. They bring up the ‘other side’ of the issue. Opposition helps make the decision making process more deliberative, which in turn can lead to better decisions.

Jesus give the religious leaders an ‘out’. He gave them permission not to believe in Him. Jesus doesn’t force Himself on anyone. He is kind. He doesn’t use coercion to get followers. Although He grieves those who reject Him, He doesn’t use His power to put extra pressure on them to believe.

Unlike the rioters who are taking over cities demanding that they be given the right to determine the outcome, Jesus doesn’t force it. In those cities where the rioters are forcing their will on the people with fire bombs and brute force, anarchy rules. And anarchy can’t rule anything except more anarchy. Eventually even anarchy must rule by rules.

But Jesus honors our ability to make choices. We were created in the beginning by the LORD with the ability to exercise authority in prescribed areas of life. We can’t decide we don’t like the law of gravity and just start living like gravity has no authority in our lives. We can’t step off a high building without the law of gravity taking hold, no matter what we believe.

But we do have the ability to accept or reject the offer of life that Jesus gives us.

So what are you doing with that offer?