Colossians 1:5-7 "Absolute Truth"

Read Colossians 1:5-7.

"...the word of truth...." NIV

Even though my degree is in English, I've always had a love for the sciences. In fact math and science were my best subjects in school. (I know, why did I get an English degree? That's a God story for another time.) My point is that I have always been one that loved facts. I have always seen life very black and white. If there is no empirical evidence, then how is it true? Except in my spiritual walk. Ironically, every spiritual test I take comes back really high in faith. The only way I can figure that one is that my faith is based on Truth and the data I have is my experience with the Almighty.

Oh, yes, there is a lot of data to prove that Creation was only 6000 years ago, not billions of years. There is proof of many of the Old Testament stories -- the flood, artifacts in The Holy Land, excavated cities, etc. There's even written history for the existence of Jesus Christ. But the Truth of a relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit within me is experiential and can't be proven with tests tubes, Dead Sea Scrolls, or death cloths. But it is living and breathing -- embodied in all believers who have surrendered to His power. Truth is in the cross, tomb, and resurrection. Truth is in God's grace (vs. 6). Truth is in the moment-by-moment guidance of His Spirit in my life. That is the Truth I stand on and will never deny.

The sinful nature is flooded in the temptation to lie -- truth is relative. Religions are even built around relative truth -- deciding what you will believe, and it is different for everyone. In a physical world based on so many absolute truths (i.e. gravity), I am amazed that anyone can't see that there can be a spiritual truth to go with it. But thank our Lord, His Truth is firm and steadfast. The God of Truth who created our universe with laws and absolutes, loves us in the same Truth. His gospel is sure and trustworthy.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is your faith based on Truth or your own ideas? Really think about that. Even Christians can get sucked into beliefs that are not based on God's Truth but on man's traditions, biases, and cultures.
2. Why is truthfulness so hard to today? Lying seems to be the norm. Why?
   
3. Compare and contrast man's truth with God's Truth. Support with Scripture.
4. Even though there is not a lot of empirical data for God's Truth, what will happen in the future that will provide that proof?

1 John 4:1-6 "The Truth"

Read 1 John 4:1-6.

"This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God...." NIV

It's interesting how history does repeat itself. John had Gnosticism to contend with and we have relativism. They take different paths, but end up at the same conclusion. They desire a religion that works for them rather than a relationship that is based on Truth. And John very clearly shows us how to recognize them. The Divinity of Christ is the key. I know many people who believe Jesus existed. They even admire Him and want to emulate His life. But that He is God and the only way to salvation? No way. That's where they reveal their true love -- self. The way of the cross is easily gained, but difficult to walk. It requires self-denial, sacrifice. It's a place for humility, not boasting. 

Relativism picks and chooses the parts of a spiritual life that appeal to them. God says that the path to Him is narrow and we must walk it if we are to live by His Spirit.

Dear Lord, open eyes so they can see the real Truth.

Further Thoughts:

1. What does Jesus say about the path of righteousness? List specific passages.
   
2. Is Christianity supposed to be easy? Explain and support with Scripture.
   
3. In what way did Judas and the Pharisees choose relativism?
   
4. Do you have someone you know trapped in the falsehood of relativism? Pray for them and share from your heart when the opportunities arise. There is hope.

Matthew 27:1-10 "Consistency"

Read Matthew 27:1-10.

"Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death....." "....It is against the law to put this (30 coins) into the treasury, since it is blood money." NIV

Woe to the blind and deceived. The chief priests and elders of the Jewish people, their spiritual (and political) leaders, decided to put Jesus to death. That is just so hard for me to fathom. But it was another time and place than my reality. I wonder how many others they had put to death for blasphemy? But here, they are ready to have an innocent man executed. So since their right to capital punishment had been taken away by the Romans, they turn Jesus over to Pilate as a traitor to be put to death. The overwhelming sadness of that decision paralyzes me. What kind of hubris and hate could cause men to do this? And these are the spiritual leaders of God's chosen people.

Now look just five verses later, after Judas, out of an act of remorse, throws the thirty pieces of silver into the temple, the chief priests state that they can't take blood money. Are you kidding me? They can send an innocent man to his death, but they can't use the money they paid to have him brought in for the temple. It's amazing how fast they collectively grew a moral and ethical conscience. Of course, it's a relative conscience that serves their own purposes and desires. But a conscience none the less.

How often do we justify our actions by following up with something good and right? And it all makes sense to the person doing it while everyone around them is left scratching their head. The enemy loves to have us in this position - situational ethics. "I believe what I need to believe to serve my purpose at this moment. And if that belief changes later, so be it. That's what I need it to be at that moment." Why can't truth be truth and relativity thrown out with last week's garbage. Life would be so much simpler if everyone was on the same page, living for the same purpose. I guess that's called heaven. And I'll hang onto that hope.

In the meantime, we must live with inconsistencies and poor judgements rampant around us. Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not always consistent. Nobody is. But I will keep striving to line up with Truth and stay on that straight and narrow way until I no longer walk this earth.

Holy Spirit, guide me in Truth to remain true.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you make your decisions based on Truth or what works for you? Think about this. Consistency is needed in all areas of our lives, not just in the big decisions. Walking a life of Truth is not for Sunday only. It's a day to day process that requires a consistent checking of the compass.
2. Compare and contrast the life of Saul and the life of David. What was different about their consistency? Notice what each does when they do fail to stay on track. What are their different responses to others and to God?