During his reign as king, Manasseh sacrificed his own children to idols, ruthlessly killed people, and practiced all kinds of evil. But after he repented and began to worship God, his conduct was radically altered.

Manasseh's life illustrates the truth that what we believe deep within us has a profound effect on our behavior. That's why the lawlessness and violence of our day should not surprise us. What can we expect from people when they have been taught that belief in God and absolute standards are mere superstitions? It's no wonder that cheating in our schools and teen pregnancy are national scandals. No wonder vicious crimes make the news every day.

The only real solution to this problem is a return to belief in God as He has revealed Himself in the Bible. Manasseh's life was dramatically changed, and the lives of people today are also transformed when they hear the truths of the Bible and respond in obedient faith.

Since what we believe is so important, we not only need the truths of God's Word that can save us from a Christless eternity, but we also need the truths that can prevent us from making tragic mistakes in this life. We need to keep fresh in our minds the beliefs that changed our lives.  — Herbert Vander Lugt