FINDING TRUTH

Finding Truth
Most of us don't journey more than a block or so without some sort of an emotional struggle. Some of our most difficult times are about silly things, like upcoming visits to the dentist or the doctor. Once not too long ago, I began to imagine a bad news verdict... it was even difficult to sleep without fear rising up.
Inside my consciousness, I heard the gentle nudging, "Is that the truth? Think only about truth."
The fact was, I had absolutely no reason to fear bad news. It was all imaginations.
Acutally, our choices are still between the two trees in the garden - choosing God's life or the world's ways. I'm given a choice in my reactions -- between staying in a no-man's land or decisively moving into the place truth.
"I'm going to learn about truth," I said to myself.
"What you'll learn, is 'pie in the sky' denial," my doubting heart replied -- knowing well that much of the world no longer values truth. Besides, many philosophers say there's no such thing.
Pontius Pilate asked the same question, "What is truth?" (Jn. 18:38). His words sent endless sound waves throughout the universe, still reverberating to this day. Is truth only an evasive goal of our productive imagination? So how can anyone find Truth?
Pilate's question continues to demand an answer.
Jesus said that He was Truth, and that He spoke truth.
Protests from His own people ultimately crucified Him. Caiaphas the high priest over the Jewish people led the jealous multitudes that ruled that day. Betrayal came from a kiss. Accusations flared. The incessant and unruly mob clamored for Him to die, while Pilot washed his hands of guilt (Mt. 27:24). Truth died unjustly. But Truth totally won that day, and emerged from the dead in victory over our sin.
Now, the TRUTH can be embraced. We can behold the Man (Jn. 19: 5) who is the Truth (Jn. 14:6). So, I choose to believe in this Jesus and the things that He says. And oh, the peace that spreads its blanket when my racing fears aligned with the Word of God.
In His urgent High Priestly prayer, Jesus intercedes (Jn. 17:16-17), "For they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them (make them holy) by your truth. Your word is truth."
No longer is it what we think. Truth, we rediscover, is in Jesus, who is the Word. As we travel beyond our self-deception, we find the Truth that transcends our doctrines. We no longer belong to ourselves, but have learned that loving the truth is an essential process of sanctification. WE are made holy by truth. Truth and mercy purge our rebellious ways (Pr. 16:6). Truth is not just a word, it's not a formula, but a Person and a Force that changes us.
You'll find the desire for sanctification when you incorporate truth into your actions. Like the discerning Psalmist said, "The sum of Thy word is truth" (Ps. 119:160). It's not enough to know what the Bible says (mental assent), you have to fit it together, put it inside, and then act upon it. That you might be one who comes to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim. 3:7). Nothing in your past prepares you for the unlimited exploration ahead. Like we said, initial salvation isn't the end of the road, only the great beginning of finding Truth. Keep these principles in mind:
1.       God has already made His choice about eternal life for you. "He gave His only begotten Son."
2.       The remaining choices are yours.
3.       God's choice was not based on your merit, but on the fact that He loves you.
4.       Your choosing to believe in His love is the deciding factor in your eternal life.
5.       Right choices result in you causing that eternal life to operate in this lifetime.
6.       If you should choose to respond to His love, then the Holy Spirit comes to teach you TRUTH.
Beloved, we must not waiver in this time of change. Be ever ready to STAND firm in the Truth.
Dr. Kluane Spake