Three Steps to the Truth

2012 is a year of decision. At all levels we seem to be facing important decision making. At the national level, at the church level, at the personal level, there will be days when we will have to take a step and state our stand. In a society of compromised truth and normative lying, decision making can be a daunting task. Confusion and doubt are paralyzing. Our limited perspectives seem insufficient for the significance of the choices we need to make. So, how do we approach these decisions? How do we ever find discernment? How do we walk by faith? In this decision making year, how do we recognize the right path? How do we know the truth?

The answers to these questions are not found in the conventional wisdom of man. The answers to those who seek the truth are only found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
First, we must know that Jesus is indeed the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6 NIV). And we must know this truth so well that we can instantly recognize a counterfeit when we see one.
Second, we must believe Him when He says that He is faithful, for when He speaks, He acts, and when He promises, He fulfills (Numbers 23:19). He promises that if we stay in Him, we won’t lose our way. We will have life and we will know the truth. 

 
Finally, we must walk in the truth ourselves and obey His commands. He will guide our steps and He will set us free. “(T)o the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32 NIV)
Knowing, believing and walking in the truth are what will ultimately liberate us from our bondage to fear and to deceiving philosophies. Many voices call out to us claiming truth, security, peace, happiness, etc. The children of God need to focus and listen to the only voice of truth so we are not deceived. If we are watching TV to find that voice, we’re in danger of being deceived. If we listen to politicians making promises only to get our vote, we’re in danger of being deceived. If we listen to an inner voice that is not informed by the Gospel, we’re in danger of being deceived. 

To hear the voice of truth we must know His Word. The Word of God speaks, but if we don’t open it and read it, we won’t hear its message. The way to hear the truth is to pick up your Bible, read it, and let it be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). The task is not an easy one, however, for there are those who’d say that Jesus belongs to Sunday morning only. As believers we can respond by saying that if we don’t let Jesus inform and guide every aspect of our lives, we are no more than lukewarm Christians. Jesus warned us against being lukewarm in Revelation 3:15-16 NIV “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” 

 
God is an all consuming fire that burns inside our soul. Once we open the door to Him, He comes in to stay.  He consumes all aspects of our lives. We seek to serve Him.  When given the choice between pleasing God or man, Christians inevitably chose to please God.  We can’t compartmentalize Him. He dwells in us and we are to surrender it all to Him. That includes every one of our decisions, regardless of the topic or situation. Sunday morning faith is not enough. (None of these is understood by non-believers.  They cannot comprehend any of it, hence the constant friction.)  

Therefore, for the Christian, faith without actions is dead, and this is our time to act. This is the day to accept our destiny. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). 

 
In this year of decision, let us decide to allow Christ, the Way, to lead us to the truth which brings life. As we strive to become the most informed citizens possible, let us decide to hear His voice first. He will help us test the deceiving philosophies that try to capture our allegiance. Let us decide to know Him, believe Him and walk by Him. Let us decide to follow Him who is the truth.


It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV)