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Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
Jesus Lover of Truth (5/5)
Since Jesus is the lover of truth, what does He expect of me regarding truth? If I am to be molded in the image of Christ, what does that mean as far as my relationship and responsibility toward truth?
First, I am sure that Jesus expects me to love the truth. In as much as those who do not receive the love of the truth are subject to believe a lie and be damned (2 Thessalonians 2.10), it should be apparent that we ought to love truth. The passionless Christian does not love truth and it is doubtful that such a one is a Christian at all. Men who do not hunger and thirst after truth are men who simply do not have very much in common with Jesus; He expects me to love the truth!
Secondly, Jesus expects me to study the scriptures as a part of my daily walk with God. The diligent study required of God's children is done in pursuit of becoming an approved workman in God's army of believers (see 2 Timothy 2.15). The result of this kind of diligent study is the ability to handle aright the word of God. God does not want presenters of His truth to be in any way deceitful or for them to use false or fallacious methods; God's word must be handled aright!
Thirdly, God expects me to share the truth with others. Paul made it abundantly clear in 1 Timothy 2.4 that God, "…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." He has left the task of spreading the gospel in the hands of His children. Before departing this earth, Jesus issued what has been styled the Great Commission to His apostles (see Matthew 28.19-20 and Mark 16.15-16). This commission explicitly obligated His followers to preach and teach whoever and whenever it was possible.
Fourthly, Jesus expects me to facilitate the work which truth does in the hearts and minds of those who hear and obey the truth. He certainly does not want me to "hinder the truth" as some did (Romans 1.18 ASV); neither does He want me to "resist the truth" as did others (2 Timothy 3.8). Rather, to put it in the words of John, Jesus would want me to "…become fellow workers for the truth." (3 John 8). To be a fellow worker for the truth means to do nothing to hinder it at all and to do everything with in my power to ensure that it accomplishes the end for which it was sent! Jesus wants disciples who are fellow workers for truth!
Finally, if I am to be like Christ, the truth will be an unending quest. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and men (Luke 2.52). Peter concluded that all believers are to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3.18). While we can certainly attain the fundamental knowledge of the truth needed to be saved, Jesus does not expect us to stop there. Learning God's word and maturing in that knowledge is a Christian duty and a Christian privilege. The discovery of truth through our continued and diligent study of the scriptures is a great spiritual adventure of which we never tire!
To become like Christ is, by definition, to become a lover and pursuer of truth. Our life's ambition must center around truth. Truth is the elixir which slakes the thirst of a spiritually hungry man and none else will do! The image of Christ is shaped entirely by truth!
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