The Pursuit of Truth

As a new Believer, I loved bible studies. Getting together to explore the Word of God was my favorite time of the week, usually on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights. Some in church, others in homes.

Have to say, I really miss those days.

When I was the host, I would remind those in attendance our purpose for coming together. It wasn’t to argue over whose opinion, church, or denomination was correct, but rather what does God say? What does Scripture say is true?

Opinions were welcomed, but the final arbiter was always the Word.

Stating the obvious, I said I was not infallible, and if they believed I was in error they not only had the right, but the responsibility to bring correction. I didn’t want to then, nor do I now want to be teaching something that is not true. But I insisted the correction come from Scripture. You couldn’t come with, “My Pastor said,” or “My church believes,” or “I heard that.” I provided Scripture to support what I believed to be the truth, so Scripture was necessary to refute it.

And fortunately one day, a youth leader named Barbie Larsen did just that.

Barbie was one of the sweetest and most soft spoken people you’d ever meet, and her challenging my position on the subject of “doubt” was instrumental in opening my eyes to the toxic errors in the “word of faith” teaching. It was the beginning of my journey away from a teaching that is rooted in great deception, and one I renounced long ago.

So thank you Barbie Larsen…wherever you are.

There are many reasons God hates pride, and one is because it won’t allow you to admit when you are wrong. It’s why we’re commanded to crucify the flesh. Admitting you were wrong isn’t all that painful when you’re dead.

When presented with truth you can accept it, reject it, deny it, ignore it, love it, hate it, twist it, or exchange it for a lie.

And by the way, if God brings correction through the enlightenment of truth and you refuse to repent, you have exchanged the Word of Truth for a lie.

But who will pursue it?

Only those willing to be a living sacrifice, stay on the altar, and possess a deep desire to be changed into the image of Christ.

Just as Jesus taught in the parable of the lost sheep and lost coin, we seek after only the things we value. The greater the treasure, the greater the hunt.

What is finding the truth worth to you?

Proverbs 2:1-5 (NKJV) My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.