John 8:31-32 (NIV®)
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
I have been praying for some time now that truth would be revealed in our world. It seems there is so much misinformation. It is almost overwhelming if you listen to it too long.
I’ve heard verse 32 for as long as I can remember. I don’t recall verse 31 ever having the same prominence… but after reading it, I can’t imagine why not. Especially since verse 32 begins with the word “THEN.” It is a contingency. If this, then that. Given that truth seems to be a rare commodity, I found theses verses challenging and comforting all at the same time.
Opinions and “facts” are coming at us from all sides. One side says this, the other says that. From a somewhat objective viewpoint, both may seem to have some credit to what they are saying. Other times, to use an old-fashioned word, it’s just hogwash. So how do we, as believers, maneuver through the maze of facts, experiences, and theories? How do we know what the truth really is? We research and investigate, but who can you trust when it seems everyone has an angle or agenda; when everyone has something to gain from their particular position? Scripture seems pretty plain… we trust Christ.
I don’t have all the answers. I never will. Things are not always easy. Sometimes decisions are hard. But we don’t trust in things we hear or see or even experience… we measure them against Christ and His teachings. We pray and ask Him to reveal truth as we seek to follow Him day by day. We make the effort to study and learn things, but He is the only one who can reveal truth. We follow His leading and trust the truth He reveals to us. It is the only way to know the truth and be free in it.
Truth is truth. No spin. No mirrors. No shadows. Pray for truth. If we believe and hold to Christ, we will know the truth. Through quagmires and quicksand, His truth will guide us. Then that truth will set us free.