Lover of the truth?

Many believe the days we are living in today are ever nearing the end times the Bible tells us about. We are warned again and again to expect deceptions within the Church – Scripture tells us even the elect are at risk of being deceived.

I find myself asking, ‘what is the difference between a Christian who would be deceived and one who would not? What is it that keeps us from being deceived? What is it that keeps us on the straight and narrow with God?’ I have pondered over this question for some time as I personally really don’t want to be deceived. My heart yearns for Jesus to welcome me at the end with the words ‘good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:21), as opposed to casting me away with the words ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoer’ (Matthew 7:23).

Just the other day in my own quiet time with God 2 Thessalonians 2:19 leapt out at me. You know, one of those moments when it’s almost like God comes down with His heavenly highlighter! It says those who are deceived refused to ‘love the truth’. I realised this is such a key aspect of being a Christian. We must love the truth – unconditionally - whatever it is – however much we might not like it. For example that could be accepting personal truth about our own life or accepting what is written in the Scriptures as it is, and loving God for who He really is, not coming up with an easier God of our own making.

Sometimes truth can be hard to accept and live in. I know in my journey as a Christian I have had to face some things about myself that are really ugly and accept them as part of myself before God. As well, my understanding of God has changed a lot as I have read and come to understand more of the Scriptures. As I think back I know in the past I have definitely believed in a God of my own making – one who fitted my understanding and interpretation of the world around me and my feelings as opposed to the true character of God as portrayed in the Scriptures. Breaking away from lies we’ve believed about God (or anything else for that matter) is not easy and doesn’t happen at the drop of a hat. It takes persistence and determination to know and live in the truth.

So my challenge is ‘are you a lover of the truth? Are you determined to know the truth about yourself and about God and everything else no matter how difficult that might be?’ I can personally testify that no matter what pain that might cause in the short term the long term rewards here on earth and eternally with Jesus are worth any cost.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of truth. Thank You that You’re faithful and don’t abandon me to the deceptions of the enemy, but give me a free will choice to follow You. Please help me to be a lover of the truth, and give me courage to face the consequences of making that choice I will have to face. I trust You to show me the way through every trap of deception the enemy lays for me. Thank You so much for Your faithfulness to me! May I be a blessing to you today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.