Are you a believer?

by the Rev Chris Upton

Minister, West Lane Baptist Church, Haworth

“I would come to church but I am not a believer.”

Do you believe in people?

Do you believe in community?

Do you believe in helping those less fortunate than yourself?

Do you believe in standing in opposition to corruption?

Do you believe in standing up for justice?

Do you believe that it is important to try even if the odds are stacked against you?

Do you believe that we should learn from those who have gone before us?

Do you believe that all is not right with the world?

Do you believe that opting in is better than opting out?

Do you believe that including is better than excluding?

Do you believe that participation is preferable to consumption?

Do you believe that rights come with responsibilities?

Do you believe that forgiveness is more important than permission?

Do you believe that trying is of value in itself, whether you succeed or not?

Do you believe that how we live our lives actually matters?

Do you believe that we should not expect tomorrow to look like yesterday?

Are you still “not a believer”?

I am a believer.

I believe in all the above.

I also believe that Jesus believed in all the above.

I believe that people gathered around him as he articulated and embodied a loving response to these beliefs.

I am a believer that many churches in and around Keighley continue to do just this, so I encourage all of you who echo some kind of version of the opening statement to pause and rethink. What do you actually believe and how does that shape your life?

Maybe 2018 will be a year of new beliefs?