2 Corinthians 13:5a  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

I went to my 40^th class reunion a few years back. Most of my classmates I had not seen since graduation. Some looked much like they did but with changes in hair, color or thickness, some weight gain of course. As I discovered who those strange faces where and began sharing with them, I discovered most of them had not changed one bit.

I specifically remember one woman, let’s call her Bee Bee, how as a teen kept herself aloof, socializing with only those who looked as good as she did, which were two. As she looked around the room she commented to me, “We should do this again soon while we still look good.” Wow, my status had changed, she actually spoke to me.

Then there was the mousiest girl in school. She never looked anyone in the eye, and had to repeat herself because her voice was so soft. Now she is bold, confident, interesting and yet she looked just the same as in school. What a change. So while most people don’t change all that much, some really do change.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Walking by faith changes you. There’s your proof.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Have you seen movies where the characters use dialogue containing “Way”, “No Way” as terms of belief and unbelief? Unfortunately the characters are usually stoners or plastics, so the importance of belief and unbelief gets lost in the scene.

There are religions which embrace Jesus but carry a doctrine of grace plus works. Some believe you have to work for grace. Still others only refer to Jesus as a prophet or a great teacher, yet are selective in what they will or will not believe about His teachings and ministry.

Others scream “No way!” because they are offended by this very verse. Jesus is saying no one comes to God except by believing on Him. I can respect the atheist who says there is no God. He does not reject the way, he simply rejects the whole concept of creation. For them life is just a horrible mistake, an accident of nature. I can respect that because they are not being hypocrites.

How can anyone pick and choose what they will and will not believe about Jesus Christ? It is one thing to be unlearned, and another to claim you believe and then deny the truth. I don’t claim to know everything, but I won’t disconnect from correction and enlightenment. As soon as I tell myself “I’ve got it!” I have taken the first step towards pride and away from humility.

Follow the Way, seek the Truth, have the abundant life.