Truth: Who wants it?

Recently, I have been pondering why we ignore the truth. I cannot count how many times I have witnessed someone apprehend truth and then pretend they never saw it. They push it far from their mind and then when it pops up unexpectedly they dismiss it. Why do we do this?

I am sure there are many reasons, but I will offer two. First I think we are afraid of pain. We fear being vulnerable. Here is the scenario: the Scripture speaks on an issue and we see it and we say to ourselves, “I can’t forgive that person.” The pain is too great. So, we fill our heads with lies such as; God would never ask me to forgive that person. The Holy Spirit has graciously opened our eyes to see this area where we fall far short and we foolishly look at ourselves and say there is no way, it is impossible, it is too distasteful. So, fear of failure or fear of pain keeps us in darkness and lies.

This leads to the other reason which is intertwined with the first. Our pride causes us to ignore the truth. We don’t want to see our brokenness we want to think we are very spiritual and we want others to think the same. So we will just stay away from those difficult verses that call us to do the impossible. Then we can feel good about ourselves. We are supposed to be happy, right? How can we be happy when we are made to look at our weakness? Often, when we see how far short we fall we had rather embrace a lie than the truth.

Therefore, two great enemies of truth are pride and fear of vulnerability. I hope that I can show a better way. I would like to put the axe to the root of these enemies. Truth is so important. Jesus said that He is the truth. He said if you know the truth you will be free. I am no stranger to this temptation, but I feel as though God has given me the means to do battle with it. Here is what I do when I am tempted to ignore truth.

First of all I acknowledge that indeed it is truth. The Scriptures are for my benefit, not against me. Let them do their work and expose your sin. Remember the above scenario only this time when the truth is revealed hold it and don’t let go. Let it expose your weakness, let it break you. Let it open your eyes to your weakness. Confess your weakness. Continually bring it before God and those whom you are close to. Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand. For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Do not see this as something you need to change, but see it as work for God. Your work is to be broken and humble. God’s work is to transform you into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Always agree with God.

Using the above example of unforgiveness, you could do something like this: Oh, God, I see how unforgiving I am. Yet you forgave me when I was your enemy. How unlike you I am. Oh God have mercy and change my heart. You are the Creator of all things. Create in me a clean heart- a heart of forgiveness. Make me like Jesus who forgave those who were his enemies. Then go to someone you greatly respect who believes the Scripture and confess your unforgiveness and ask them to join with you in praying that God would give you a heart that longs to glorify Him in this way. Go to them often and tell them how you are doing in this area. Refuse to entertain ungodly thoughts. Soak in the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit will help you in this struggle. God’s will is for you to be humble and this may be the means He has chosen to achieve humility. Do not fear brokenness, but fear pride. Our brokenness helps us to see that there was nothing desirable about us that made God choose us, and yet He has chosen us not because of works, but that we would worship Him for His mercy.

Do not reject the truth for a lie. You will miss out on the great opportunity of knowing Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. You will find joy that far surpasses the shallow happiness that comes when we refuse to be broken that is based on lies and avoidance of truth. Let’s seek humility and find joy in knowing Jesus.

Teaching Doctrine To A Six-Year-Old

Here is a good article by John Piper about the importance of understanding doctrine. Also, if you haven't already checked out the entire Desiring God website. It has recently been redone and it is loaded with free downloads and articles.

Teaching Doctrine to a Six-Year-Old

Best Books

I was "tagged" to do this over a month ago and I am just getting to it.

One book that changed your life: The Bible continues to change my life. It is the only book that is God-breathed. And it gives me the ability to judge every other book by its standards. Also, Desiring God, by John Piper; The Way Home, by Mary Pride (although I don't agree with all she has to say the book is so counter cultural it shook up my world). Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, edited by Wayne Grudem and John Piper.

One book that you’ve read more than once: Toward Jerusalem, by Amy Carmichael

One book you’d want on a desert island: The Bible

One book that made you laugh: The Mystery of Marriage, by Mike Mason (It's not a funny book, but he captures the experience of falling in love very well and it made me laugh)

One book that made you cry [or feel really sad]: The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom, and The Shadow of the Almighty, by Elisabeth Elliot

One book that you wish had been written: I wish my dad would have kept a journal. Then again maybe I don't. God knows best!

One book that you wish had never been written: The numerous books that defile the reader, but are passed off as great literature!

One book you’re currently reading: The Joy of Fearing God, by Jerry Bridges

One book you’ve been meaning to read: The Pleasures of God, by John Piper