Do you believe?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

In John 3:16, Jesus teaches that whoever believes in Christ will have eternal life. It seems like a straightforward charge, but what does it mean to believe in Christ? Concerning this belief, the late James Montgomery Boice said, 

"We turn from trusting in ourselves and instead trust God fully. We see the infinite worth and love of the Son of God, who gave himself for our salvation, and commit ourselves to him."

To believe in Christ is to have faith in Christ, fully trust in him, and commit to him. Believers must trust and obey. And what does it mean to commit to Christ? Jesus commands, 

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." - Matthew 16:24

Dear Church, as we begin 2022, what must you deny and leave behind to follow Christ? As people of faith, let us emulate our master and follow him.