When I hear those two words two very distinct and VERY different images run through my head.
1) The Apostles Creed, said in my church every Sunday (except when we say one of the other creeds.) The Apostles Creed basically lays out what we, as Christians, believe in. So when I hear “I believe,” I think of the things that I believe in my heart as a way for me to live my life.
Here is the version that the ELCA Lutherans use:
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*or “he descended into hell,” another translation of this text in widespread use.
2) The second thing that I think of when I hear “I believe” is Larry the Cable Guy and the rest of the Blue Collar Comedy Gang. Except that you have to say it a little bit different. Say it “Ah-eye, bl-eve..” and follow it up with something like what Ron White said “[I believe] if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade, and try to find someone who’s life has given them Vodka and have a party.” (I love that one!!!) To watch the full “I believe” here it is from youtube.
Okay, but what got me on the “I believe” tangent? Well, I woke up extra early today (a Saturday) and was watching the Saturday Today Show on NBC, and they did a segment on the fact that in South Carolina, you can now buy a licence plate with a cross on the left side of it, and under the numbers it says “I believe.” Now I want to share my faith with others, but I want to do it on a personal one-on -one level, not because I can show it off on my car. (I also don’t have any decals on my car.) I’m also thinking that I’m a hypocrite, because I had a yellow magnetic ribbon on the trunk of my car that said “Support our troops.” Because I have family and friends in the military. I guess I didn’t have any problem wanting to show my public support for the troops, but why don’t I want to show my faith??? To see the plate click here.
I don’t have religious bumper stickers, etc. on my car because sometimes i speed. Or go to slowly, for some. Or forget to put on my turn signal. You know, little stuff. And I think if I had a Jesus bumper sticker, i would be setting a terrible example.
Any body can have a bumper sticker or say a creed. And they may be good reminders. But living the details is what counts in being a follower of Jesus. [I'm not saying that works saves us, but that we are to follow after we are saved, not spout slogans.]