April 15, 2011

Truth Applied

Written by Wisdom Hunters

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- April 15, 2011

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

Truth applied makes us fully alive. Indeed, most people know enough truth to live a worthwhile life. They know to be honest and not lie. They know to be content and not covet another person’s house, car or spouse. They know to be patient and wait on the Lord to do a work of grace in a loved one’s life. They know to take responsibility and not blame someone else. They know to believe Jesus and to trust Him with their life.

If we know the truth, why do we sometimes struggle with its application? Perhaps we are self-deceived to think the truth of Scripture is needed for someone else, but not for us. Truth is right and good—it is just not right and good for me to think I’m living it out, when I’m not. Feeling good or bad, or even knowing the truth doesn’t necessarily transform behavior. What alters our actions is an inward change expressed in outward obedience. The wonderful benefit of this practical process is that truth applied makes us fully alive.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Truth is like a vaccination—that when properly administered—prevents you from being infected with foolish living. It is like a life-saving serum, when applied to sin’s poisonous snakebite—it heals you from relational, emotional, physical and spiritual death. There are no downsides to honestly gaze into the mirror of truth—assess your life—better yet, invite godly friends to look with you, and then by God’s grace apply truth for change.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Is there a dark area of your life that needs the bright light of truth to be exposed and rooted out? Are there bad attitudes and habits you blame on past pain and injustice? If so, lean into the truth and do not be satisfied until truth’s application frees you from mediocre living. Truth applied does make you fully alive—it is a dependable friend who walks with you through wise decision-making. Dismiss dishonest living and invite in the freedom of honest living. Ask the Lord to reveal truth to you and empower you to live out the truth.

“When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:21-24).

What truth do I need to embrace and celebrate in the transformation of my life?

Related Readings: Isaiah 1:19; Proverbs 23:22; Acts 6:7; Romans 6:16

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Comments

  1. Kim says:

    Truth Applied


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