John 3:15 - Believe? Believe?

". . . that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life."

When was the last time you thought about the word "believe"?  Can you define it?  "to be persuaded of the truth or existence of" is one of the definitions of dictionary.com.  Hmmm, I am persuaded that Jesus is the Son of God.  I am persuaded that I have eternal life.  Somehow, it just doesn't seem to pack much of a punch.

One (of the many) problems of the English language is that it is so bland.  Blah.  No body to it.  It states a fact but doesn't convey deep meaning or thought.  Like "love".  The Greek has Eros, philios, agape.  You know exactly what kind of love is being spoke of when in conversation.  But English just has "love".  It's left up to the listner to determine the kind of love, and sometimes we settle for the wrong one.

"Believe" is another one of those words.  I believe.  I am persuaded.  Naw. Not happening.  The Greek translation of the word "believe" in this verse is as follows: "to entrust (to charge with a responsibility) ones entire spiritual well-being to God".   Now THERE'S some starch for your shirt!  It takes the meaning of that scripture to a whole different level.

". . . that everyone who entrusts their entire spiritual well-being to Him may have eternal life."   You can be persuaded that Jesus exists; you can be persuaded that He is the Son of God;  you can be persuaded for any number of things.  But, are you willing to entrust your entire spiritual well-being to someone you cannot capture with any of your physical senses?  

I believe Jesus is the Son of God, born of a virgin, died and resurrected and that He now sits at the right hand of God.  I am persuaded this is so.  But have I entrusted, I have charged with a responsibility, my entire spiritual well-being to Him, to be taught, guided, built up by Him, or is my reliance on the word of man?  Am I following a particular person more then I am Jesus Christ?  Have I believed, but not entrusted?  Entirely? 

Take time to ponder this definition.  Mull it over.  Chew on it.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you where you stand in regard to trusting Jesus.  Let Him be your teacher and guide first, in all things.

"Almighty God, I place my body, soul and spirit in your keeping; I entrust it all to your care.  You, and you alone have the power and authority to mold and shape me into the person you want me to be.  My trust is solely in you.  Guide me by your most Holy Spirit, teach me, open my ears to hear your voice.  Change my heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  To your honor and glory.  Amen."