Truth

I have recently been challenged by a friend of mine to look deeply into the aspect of God’s character I take for granted far too often: truth. Intellectually I have no issue with God’s truth. I trust God to tell the truth, I trust God to lead me to truth, and I trust God to demonstrate the power of truth. Over the last week I have become aware that truth is not simply an idea or a concept, but a character and value of the very heart of God.

When Jesus describes himself in John 14 he says that he “is the truth.” The power behind those words are amazingly deep. Jesus does not possess truth, he is truth. Jesus doesn’t tell truth, he defines what is true. Jesus doesn’t point to truth, truth points to him. The very nature of the Messiah is truth incarnate.

Even in understanding truth as defined by the nature of God, I must come around to the question of what it means in my life. If Jesus is truth and I trust in Jesus, I place my faith in what is true. If I place my faith in what is true, I must by necessity be changed by that truth. If I am changed by the truth of Jesus, I must let go of what is not true and cling to what is true.

The implications are huge! Jesus is God in the flesh. God is eternal truth. Jesus is truth. I trust Jesus. I live truth. Except when I don’t.

What about those times when I condemn myself for the sin or even the temptation to sin? Romans 8:1 says “There is now therefore no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus.” I have just denied truth. What happens when I listen to the lies of the enemy tell me I am not good enough to serve Christ. Ephesians 2:10 says “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Which voice do I choose to listen to in those moments?

The reality is far too often I listen to the voice of condemnation instead of the voice of grace. I listen to the voice of doubt and fear rather than the voice of freedom and strength.

The only defense against the power of the enemy to steal the Word of God from our heart and mind is to take a stand on the truth of God. Truth brings freedom. Freedom is found only in Christ. We must stand in the truth of God in order to live free from the traps of the enemy.

My friend challenged me greatly with this verse last week:

“You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32

What voice are you listening to today?