We hear a lot about “my truth” these days, an anthem sung by many in hopes of change. It may be one’s painful experience with a friend, a job, or a family member. It may be their perception of a situation in their life, but often it’s a distortion of reality and isn’t rooted in Scripture. The only absolute source of Truth is found in the Word of God.
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. —John 17:17 NIV
Respond: Have you ever used the phrase “my truth?” Was this truth based on the Word of God?
Do you believe the Bible, really believe its infallible Truth? We often say it with our lips but don’t fully trust it to be true. Our behavior gives us away; it’s a reflection of what we truly believe. How we act and react speaks louder than our words.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” … —Matthew 16:13-16 NIV
Journal: What is a behavior in your life that may be viewed as a reflection of doubt or discouragement?
In today’s culture, “truth” is fluid and varies from one person to the next. It often changes with the seasons. We cannot merely say the Bible is true because society will not accept that. They need more.
We must establish a foundation of why we can trust God’s Word. There must be evidence of its Truth in our lives. Whether or not we like what it says, we must choose to put our faith in the Author, Jesus Christ; it is then that others will begin seeing the fruit in us.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. —Galatians 5:16-26 NIV
So many think that following Christ means giving up everything, too many changes to even comprehend. Our flesh fights against what we know to be right. The truth is God doesn’t expect it to happen overnight. Right behavior is a result of right belief. It all starts with a choice. When we choose to trust in Him and believe His Word to be true, the rest will follow, and He will transform our lives.
You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you. —John 15:16 AMP
Journal: What fears do you have (or did you have) when thinking about completely surrendering your life to Jesus?
Our goal shouldn’t be to sin less but to know God more. The blessings that follow are just a byproduct of walking in the Spirit. We must give Him every part of our lives and learn the unforced rhythms of grace. He wants all of us. Choose to surrender today.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” —Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
Activation: This week, instead of focusing on the fruit (your behavior), focus on the Source (God) of the fruit. Daily surrender your life to Him and allow Him to work in your life. Journal about your journey so that you can look back and see all He’s done.
Prayer:
God, I’ve spent much of my life trying to earn Your favor, but You only want me to trust in You. It’s so simple, but I make it so hard sometimes. There’s nothing I can do to earn Your love for You’ve already given it to me.
Help me to fully trust in Your Word. Give me eyes to see You, ears to hear You, and the desire to walk in Your Truth. May others see You in me, and may they also come to know the fullness of Your grace. Amen
You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you. —John 15:16 AMP