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Truth Is Essential
Truth is Essential
Bill Lambert
John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
The world needs the truth, but there are precious few who are willing to hear the truth. Why is this? Because the truth is many times painful. People would rather “put off” facing the truth in order to continue their lives without the pain of making changes. Facing the truth will mean facing the need to make those changes. This is the “moment of truth” which we have heard about all our lives. It is when one must make a decision to accept the truth and act upon it, or ignore the truth and suffer the consequences. Jesus said that the truth will make one free, but this is only if one accepts the truth. Many, unwilling to accept the truth, will continue in their ungodliness.
In John 5:39-40, Jesus said to his audience of Jews, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” He likened them to chickens which could find refuge under the wings of their mother. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matt 23:37)
Had they been willing to accept the truth that Jesus was the Son of God, they would have had life -- but they would not. As Peter said to the Lord one time, “...thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). By refusing him, they had, as those Jews who rejected their preaching judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. (cf. Acts 13:46).
What is your attitude when your habits, lifestyle, beliefs, etc. are exposed to the light of truth? You cannot simply say, “I don't agree that such is wrong.” That will not make it right -- even if you could find a million people to agree with you! The truth is still the truth, even if it is ignored or denied.
