A Peace of Wisdom

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Peter 2:1 (NIV)

Doesn't that sound like what is happening today? We are bombarded with messages from friends, news, TV shows, movies, magazines. It seems that many, if not most, of those are opposed to the Truth; indeed, many are designed specifically to move us away from the Truth to what may be convenient for the moment but destructive in the end (Proverbs 14:12).

We need to be careful, then, in choosing the voices we attend to and let influence us; at the same time, we need to be aware of what is going on around us and of what others may be listening to. What is important is to find a standard by which to evaluate those messages we hear every day to know if they portray Truth.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:27-29 (NIV)

The key, then, is to know the Lord's voice. The way to know His voice is to know the Word: to read it, to study it, to memorize it, to meditate on it. We must measure what we hear and see and read--as well as our thoughts--against the Word. If the messages are counter to the Word, they are not His voice and not Truth.

How we respond to those "false" messages may vary. In some cases, we may choose not to read or listen to the messenger. In others, we may need to counter the message in some way, but always in grace and in love. In some, we may need to adjust our thinking. The Holy Spirit will guide us in knowing how to respond in any situation.

Lord, thank you for Your inerrant, infallible Word, that always speaks Truth and life and leads me in Your way. Please help me to be faithful in investing time in the Word and in prayer so that I won't be tugged around by the views of the world but will be anchored in the Truth and can stand firm. Amen.

     34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
     37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV 1984)

My current Bible study is on the Gospel of Matthew. When we came to the reading including the above section, we were asked to read also from Deuteronomy 6:1-12, especially focusing for one question on verse 5: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

The question following this reading was:

     What does it mean to love God with all your heart? 
     With all your soul? 
     With all your mind? 
     With all your strength?

Have you ever stopped to look intently at each of these individually and to try to explain what each one means? I had not, and I found it to be extremely humbling and convicting, realizing how far short I fall in all four categories. How I need a Savior and the strength of His Holy Spirit.

My next task is to see what practical changes I can make to keep this, the commandment Jesus says is first and foremost among all. I'm giving some time to work on that one. 

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

What a different world this would be if we were to live by these words! Physiology and psychology agree, telling us that our thoughts affect us physically and emotionally. We can tear down or we can build up. We can see the glass half empty or half full. We can and are to choose what will occupy our minds. Our choice can make a tremendous difference for us and for those around us.

This inspirational quote made me think of several scriptures, but three in particular. I like the way the Living Bible puts Colossians 4:17: Be sure to do all that the Lord has told you to. I know I will be able to accomplish all He has given me because of Philippians 4:13 and Philippians 1:6. The odds don't really matter when I know what God has for me to do. He will give me the strength and power, and He will be faithful to complete the work He has begun in me. All that is needed is for me to trust Him and to do; He will take care of the rest.

thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. (The Message)

In a temporary location, Bob handed me my cup of tea, which I wanted to be right where it had been, at my chair, when I returned. I said, "I didn't really want that, but thank you." Then it occurred to me, that's what I find myself saying to God sometimes.

"I didn't really want to be sick, but thank You for the special times with You it provided." "I didn't really want this problem with our child, but thank You for Your presence and comfort and strength, and the closer relationship with him that developed as a result." "I didn't really want to give up that ministry, but thank You for the new one You will provide." My list goes on and on. And that is what He desires: our recognition of His omnipotent, loving hand in the circumstances of our lives, trusting Him in every situation. We are safe and secure in His care at all times, and we should always thank Him for that, even when, perhaps especially when, the circumstances seem to say otherwise.