Seeking The Truth in a world of lies.
A few years back I went to a Bible study. The teacher asked us all to just listen, then, go home and test/research what she taught. At first, I was taken back. Thinking to myself, "what kind of doctrine/dogma is she selling"? But, I had come to respect this woman, so against my better judgment, I did as she asked. Within a 6 month period, my eyes were open to Biblical truths I was never taught as a child. So many half-truths and flat out lies I was fed for years. I blindly accepted most, because I thought they were true. It's amazing how you can be told something year after year after year and never once question if it's true or not. So yes, my Bible Study teacher helped in my initial revelation, but she taught me a far more important lesson, to seek the Truth for myself. Reading the Bible in full context, researching historical information, and asking God to reveal His Truth, opened my eyes and ears in a way I never knew before. It took me months and even years to accept some revelations because I was so indoctrinated. I didn't want to believe my faith was a lie or even a partial one. But how do you argue with Truth without becoming a liar yourself? From that time on, I set aside my bias, and read The Bible for myself. I learned Hebrew and Greek and continued seeking God's wonder with all I am. I don't belong to any church or religion. I simply follow God and His Son, my Messiah, Jesus. I lost friends along the way, some guilted or shamed me for not going to this church or that church. But, in the end, I found a more meaningful relationship with my Creator, just by simply seeking the Truth myself. This enormous revelation taught me about discernment. How to see the truth, how to hear the truth. The Bible makes it very clear how to judge truth from lies. Does it bear good fruit?I write this because our country is facing a similar dilemma. We are inundated with news and information daily. We are being dictated what to believe, what to think, what to say, how to act. Family and friends are being torn apart by ideology. We are being guilted or shamed into things that make no logical sense. So, I beg you to stop listening to the noise, set aside your preconceived ideas, and seek the Truth for yourself. Research the stories the media tells, study the medical papers the experts' tout. Test the fruit of the information you are being fed. Is it good fruit or is it making you sick? Is it factual? Is it logical? Do the things you believe in, bring about faith, hope, or even love? If not, please reevaluate where you stand. For those of us who believe in God, we know that our battle is not with flesh and blood. And make no mistake we are in a battle. Before all is lost, I'm asking us all to go back to the basics. Resist the tendency to be led by emotion. Take an honest look at what is going on. Trust your God-given instincts. And for the love of God get out of your comfort zone. For if you don't, I'm afraid there's going to be a very rude awakening, but I'm hoping for a spiritual one. Don't be afraid to stand for The Truth, the Whole Truth, and nothing but The Truth, so help you, God. The Truth will set you free.