You Are What You Believe

Let me introduce you to a Christian artist whose music captured this core truth of Christian faith: our beliefs shape who we are. Rich Mullins, a Christian since childhood, grew up playing and singing hymns. Influenced by the Beatles, he learned the power of music and became one of the most influential Christian artists of the '80s and '90s. Though his songs are bona fide oldies at this point, listening to his work can still challenge and deepen your faith.
 
I'd like to focus on one of his songs, “Creed.” If you love a hammer dulcimer, check it out on Spotify right now! As the name suggests, it's about the Apostles' Creed, or more accurately, it is the Apostles' Creed. Most of the lyrics are lifted from the ancient text. But it’s the chorus I want to highlight. He writes...
 
And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no, it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not
The invention of any man
 
Rich highlights a profound truth about life: what we believe shapes every part of who we are. This is true for every person, whether they are Christian or not.
 
In our hyper-individualistic world, we mistakenly assume that we can shape our beliefs. It’s not uncommon for people to say, “I’m spiritual but not religious.” Hidden in that statement is the idea that we can shape our own beliefs. But if you pay attention long enough, you’ll see that it’s less likely that people shape their beliefs, and more likely that their beliefs shape them. When someone kludges together a personal belief system, they aren’t anchoring to any kind of foundation; they’re subconsciously saying, “What religious ideas line up with what I believe.” And they shape their spirituality around what they already believe.
 
Rich understood that if we want a meaningful life, we must be shaped by the right beliefs. What we believe doesn’t just guide our actions, it shapes who we are. Beliefs shape our identity.
 
Because of this truth, we’re starting a series on the Apostles’ Creed. Some have called it “The bedrock of Christian belief.” While it doesn’t answer every theological question, it outlines what is foundational. Studying these basics isn’t just an exercise in doctrine; it’s a journey to let these beliefs shape you to look more like Christ.
 
I look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow! I’d be honored if you joined us.