The other day I met an impressive young man. He actively seeks God to the point where he has delved into scriptures while eschewing traditional church doctrine. One might think I am impressed with this fellow because his research validates much of what I have come to believe. No so, actually. From our conversation I’d say we indeed have come to some similar conclusions but I know from experience digging deep will likely turn up some strong points of contention. It reminds me of an experience when I was a young believer.
A friend of mine and myself happened upon a Christian man. We talked for a bit before he invited us in for further discussion. He sat down and opened his bible and began to verify and dispute things according to his understanding. Likewise, I encountered a pastor who visited my home every Wednesday evening to discuss a major point of contention. I remember little of the first instance other than I could not keep my eyes off his pretty daughter. Hey! I was young… okay? I was new and more along for the ride. As for the second round, the pastor would point out a scripture. I would read it and either say, “Yep, that is what it says!” or continue on to read the context. We both never got much past what we wanted to see. In all cases the truth was right there for those who would seek it.
Today, I point this revelation out to you. How many times has someone touted knowledge of this or that “secret message” in the bible or some other place? All my life I’ve come across this person or that alluding to some “hidden knowledge” guaranteed to change my life. It is all nonsense.
Back to the young man I met, he was long gone before I realized what should have been obvious: God isn’t “hiding” the truth from us! My own background began in scripture research and study. While I am grateful for this, I finally came to understand the “truth” is not in the “words” it is in the thoughts behind the words. This is not to say delving into scriptures is not useful or beneficial. It is not to say one need not consider the source – I’ve seen a single comma entirely change the meaning of a sentence – but the truth WILL out if you seek it.
So many gain recognition by claiming to have “found” truths “hidden for centuries”. I cannot count the number of times I’ve fallen for such garbage myself. Really!? Ask yourself… why? Why should any truth be hidden? Is it because “You can’t handle the truth!”? Actually that statement was proven wrong in the very movie from whence the quote is attributed.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Jesus said this and much much more. Read the scriptural record again, if you haven’t already. Did Jesus reveal any new “truths”? No! He simply held forth the very same truths taught from the beginning!
Psalms 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
While there are many things we do not know, we do have what we need!
2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
I’ll leave you with one example not directly connected with scripture – our Constitutional Republic.
Most of my posts in this blog center around the concept that our Constitutional Republic is, it itself, a gift from Almighty God. Who else has every stated this to you? Is it true? Do your “rights” as detailed in the Bill of Rights emanate from the Constitution? Are they “granted” by men? Does your right to govern yourself require permission from men? Does not all authority come from God Himself?
Nobody taught me any of this. I came to this conclusion by prayer and logical reasoning – tools available to every man, woman and child. This truth was never hidden, it simply was never taught. Thus this truth was not “revealed” to me. It is not a secret. So many times I want to kick myself because I failed to see it for most of my life. It was right in front of me all along.
This is true of ALL THE TRUTH YOU NEED to live a fruitful, prosperous, happy life. It is all right in front of you. All you need to is open your eyes and/or pray the scales be removed from them. Yes, some remain blinded.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
1 John 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Some will ever fail to see the truth but this need not be you! If you are reading this, you are seeking and seeking the truth is the most important thing.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
No one sincerely seeking God’s truth will be denied. NO ONE! God is NOT who is keeping you from knowing the truth. He puts everything we need right in front of our eyes. Those who are “blinded” have been deceived and misled. Many are happy to wallow in their deception. This need not be you. Seek the truth. It is not hard to find. It is right in front of you.
God bless,
Andy