Without truth, you’ll never reach your potential. If you’re not committed to truth as God defines it, you will be more apt to believe a lie. There are numerous worldviews which means there are tons and tons of filters through which to process information. We know Jesus is the Truth (see John 14:6), Holy Spirit is Truth (see 1 John 5:6) and the words Jesus speaks are spirit and life (John 6:63). Furthermore, Jesus is made unto us wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30), and if we lack wisdom, we are implored to ask God for it (James 1:5-8). We should ask a lot, since 1 Corinthians 13:9 informs us that we know in part. Perspective is a big deal. With all these various views, and agendas attached to many, information gets skewed. In fact, much of it gets misrepresented in order to influence thinking a certain way. We’ve seen division inserted into society because of it. Unfortunately, we’ve seen it infiltrate the Church as well. On important factor in knowing the actual truth is having a willingness to embrace it, even when it is counterintuitive to what we’ve always believed to be true. We’ve all had those conversations come our way that we didn’t want to have. And yet, if we didn’t have them, we would have remained ignorant, and fail to make necessary changes or adjustments. Meanwhile, some people are willingly ignorant to their detriment.
Some want what they want, regardless of the consequences. So we find a number of them drowning in debt because of it. Others enter into bad relationships and sabotage their lives. Why would those who deep down know their heading towards a cliff, still drive off it, even with all the warning signs in place miles ahead of the hazard? Ignorance is not bliss, especially when it’s chosen over truth. Because we’re equipped with a free will, we can choose life or death, blessing and cursing. We can decide to accept or reject truth, or create our own “truth.” Those who create their own, will fall headlong into self-deception. Those who follow them will fall into the same ditch. Luke 6:39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?”
Personal potential gets lost in lies. How many have had an idea planted in their head and believed it? Believing the right things is a good thing; however, believing the opposite is not good at all. Words are powerful. They have a greater impact on our lives than the proverbial sticks and stones. In other words, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a lie. That being said, it is important to know we can reject words spoken over us. We can prevent them from becoming our truth. You can chose what to believe or disbelieve. A lie does not have to become your truth! You have the authority to reject it. Simply comparing what is said to the Word of God can prevent such strongholds from entering your heart and mind. Whatever thought you accept and then believe with your heart will greatly influence your life. This is one reason it is important to immerse yourself in the Bible, and ask Holy Spirit to teach you what it means. John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Truth eliminates confusion.
Jeremiah 23:29 Is not My word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? The Word of God works like a hammer which chips away the lies. What’s that mean for us? If we have a wrong thought process lodged in in our brains, they can be dislodged by God’s Word. If you received false reasoning, it can be replaced with the truth. This is part of renovation process of renewing our minds. Many of us have things of which to repent. Remember, repentance is a change of reasoning or the way we think. If we have incorrect thoughts, we will interact and behave incorrectly. For instance, wrong thoughts about God can lead to rebellion. If we believe He doesn’t love us, we will tend to push Him away. God hating us is an outright lie. That might be stating the obvious, but some tend to believe it. It would be a great idea for those sabotaging themselves to repent. They need to think differently about themselves, if they are to have a change for the better. Compare what you believe to what the Bible actually says. Look at the actual verses of Scripture. Why is this important? Some have received lies because they thought they were validated by the phrase, “The Bible says;” even though such conjecture does not exist. For example: “The Bible says God helps those who help themselves.” That phrase is found nowhere in the Bible. In fact, it is quite the opposite of what the Word actually says. Like the Bereans in the book of Acts, search the Scriptures to see if it be so (see Acts 17:11). You are who God says you are; nothing more, nothing less. The more we tell ourselves that simple truth, the more the lies will be dislodged from our beliefs.
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
