Tag Archives: trust

What is Truth?

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What is truth?

I live so far away—and yet so close—to the tragedy going on these days…actually, tragedy (HORRIBLE TRAGEDIES) happens every day. Our world is full of pain and suffering and sin and hopelessness. News and social media outlets have made it so simple to spread the word. But spread the word about what? Some perceived injustice or some perceived threat or just some thing that I oppose or support.

And which pieces of news—which posts—are really true? (For example, are the refugees evil to be shunned or good to be helped?)

I am well aware that anyone can write up any old article (I mean, I wrote this one, didn’t I?) and slap in some pictures (real or not), making a very emotionally persuasive argument that moves the hordes to some wild, manic action.

How do I know what I should be propagating? How do I know what actions I should take? How do I know what I should rejoice in, be enraged by, be hurt by, or even worry about?

How do I know what is true?

Pilate asked the same question, “What is truth?” when Jesus said to him, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37, 38)

I don’t really know if he asked that question in exasperation or in defiance, but he asked it. He didn’t know.

 

Munkacsy_-_christ_before_pilate.jpg

Christ before Pilate by Mihàly Munkàcsy (1881)

 

That’s because, apart of knowing Jesus and the Bible, there is no hope of knowing the truth. Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He offers the truth of God’s Word (John 17:17) to set me free. “If you abide in My word, you are my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31, 32).

So, does that mean that if I know Jesus and the Bible I will always know which article is true?

Not exactly.

But, because I know Him and His Word, I know the truth, and I have been set free. I have been set free from the sin of worry about this or that article. I have been set free from the sin of fear over what might happen if such and such legislation is approved. I have been set free from the sin of trying to control my life and the lives of my children—to protect them.

“The truth will set you free.”

I am now free to place undying trust in the great God of the universe and rest faithfully in Him and His Word—His unfailing Truth.

I am free to abide in His Word and find repose in Him in light of whatever horrible tragedies may come.*

That is truth.

 

*BTW, I find (in His Truth) that He is more than worthy of my trust, so finding rest in Him is so much more than freedom…it is a delight!

 

smb

“A Thanks-giving Heart”

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Thanksgiving is almost here, and many Christians (myself included) enjoy the reminder to “Be Thankful.”

But, why do we need that reminder? Why don’t we just live in a constantly thankful manner? Why do we find it more easy to complain than to be thankful?

The dissatisfied, complaining spirit oozes from my kids.

“Why did HE get that toy instead of me?”

“Why do I have to go to school?”

“Why don’t these people speak English?”

“Why did you make potatoes instead of pasta?”

“Why can’t I color now?”

“Why can’t I throw rocks?”

We always want what we don’t have or what isn’t ours to do. 

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:14

As an adult, I’m often more sophisticated in my complaining. Instead of directly asking why I can’t have something my way, I tell a great “complainy” story about how “unjustly” I was treated at such and such a store or by such and such a person, or how “unreasonable” a certain restriction or government law is that I must now find a way to obey, or how ridiculously rebellious my kids were today.

It’s the mindset of: “Oooh, I’m SUCH a victim!” or “You wouldn’t understand because MY situation is so much worse than yours!”

It’s time we stop our complaining (sophisticated or not) and remember what God says our attitude should be.

Don’t just “endure” your trial, but be thankful for it. “Count it all joy.” 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

James 1:2-4

God knows what He is doing in your life. He is teaching you more about Him. He is trying to make you more like Christ.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted,

    that I might learn your statutes.”

Psalm 119:71

He is in control, and He is good.

So, whether your “affliction” is grave or whether it’s as light as your kid finding and eating your last piece of chocolate, “Count it all joy.”

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

    to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 

to declare your steadfast love in the morning,

    and your faithfulness by night.”

Psalm 92:1-2

Now, it’s time for me to work on having a happy, “thanks-giving heart,” not just a “Happy Thanksgiving Day.”

Thanks-giving heart

smb