"Truth Sought"

  I don't know if it bothers you but it sure does me. There seems to be a less emphasis on truth and more emphasis on acceptance. We see it on bumper stickers with all the different emblems that make up the word "coexist". When I am speaking about the truth, I'm not speaking about the dogmatic legalist that believes they have the truth of God and His word all tucked away inside their pocket and if anyone should ever disagree with them they are condemned to the pits of hell. I've heard and seen too much of that in my life. I am speaking of the truth as presented by the apostles they got from Jesus. It was the Holy Spirit that would guide and teach the apostles the truth of all the things Jesus taught them (John 14:26) 

  Read carefully the book of I John. John the apostle was making things abundantly clear about the truth. In his day and time people were making Jesus into someone that wasn't revealed in the truth. What we need to realize is they believed in Jesus but taught that Jesus never came in the flesh (I John 4:1-2). I've heard some say they didn't believe in Jesus but that's not true. They didn't believe in the physical Jesus. John says he (and the other apostles) saw Him, touched Him, heard Him and looked upon the eternal life that He possessed (I John 1:1-2). This Jesus that apostles knew was being presented to others in false concepts. In fact, those that were teaching such were at one time part of the church (I John 2:19). These teachers had left the apostles teachings and John pointed it out so it would be shown that not everyone who speaks of Christ Jesus is of Christ Jesus. John must point out that his writing is to keep those who love the truth on track because there was much deception (I John 2:26).

  We fast forward to today. There is so much flying around and people are becoming more and more dull in their heart not realizing the truth is being attacked and tainted. Truth doesn't seem to be a concern for many. If we would allow ourselves to let God's word be His word and submit to what He says, truth would reign supreme. God is the author of Scripture (II Tim. 3:16-17). God does not contradict Himself. Man does but not God. Man seems to manipulate Scriptures for their own personal agendas or proofs. That's not dealing honestly with the truth. God cannot and will not allow anyone to be in fellowship with Him and deal dishonestly with His Scripture. That's what the apostle John was teaching. John calls, "You want fellowship with me and the other eye-witness apostles? You better listen to what I write because we got it from Jesus Himself!" 

  Too many are wanting sensationalism and they approach the Scriptures in that fashion. Let's be a people who humbly walk and have a love for the truth. That means you allow the Scripture from God to lead your way and when confronted with a change, change. When we have always believed something one way and suddenly we see it might not be that way, be humble about it and not fight. There is one major thing I have learned about seeking and finding the truth. "God is opposed to the proud!" That's the answer. When confronted with the truth different from our thinking or upbringing, you can dig in your heels and fight it and you will get help from God. He will help you find your lies and self-deception. But if you can humbly accept and listen, "But He gives grace to the humble." God will help you discover His truth leading you to His side. Seek the truth. Love the truth. Honor the truth. Speak the truth...in love.