Deal with the untruth

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“If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” (John 8:31-32)

A disciple is a follower, for sure, but with the intent of learning from the master. I read lots of woodworking articles, observe how things are made, and yet I am not a disciple of any particular 'woodworking master'. I just do it for a hobby. Christianity is more than a hobby - it is us committing to serve the master (Jesus), sit under his tutelage, and take what we have learned to others so they can learn it, as well. Too many may view it as a mere 'hobby' - calling themselves 'Christian', but lacking any real life change, spiritual power, or deep knowledge of how God responds. 

Peter Marshall reminds us, "God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty." Discipleship doesn't assure us of any 'easy ride' in this lifetime. In fact, it may mean just the opposite, for this 'dying to oneself and living for Christ' is kind of difficult at times. It takes constant focus, unwavering attention to life's details, and a willingness to respond appropriately when the challenge to revert back to an old way of living exerts unending pressure upon us. Great blessing may just be all about the journey and not so much the moment. It may just be made up of a whole bunch of little moments where the disciple responded in faith to what he knew to be true.

Truth is a very freeing thing. Don't believe me? Try it! There is likely some 'half-truth' we have all believed somewhere along the way, only to come into greater knowledge at some point, having our minds blown for having believed the untruth so easily. Truth may be harder to grasp than untruth because it brings conviction. As long as we hold onto the untruth even a little bit, we will never be totally free to embrace truth entirely. The disciple commits to truth - whatever form it takes - no matter how hard it is to embrace. When he does, he is assured of life - deep, meaningful, purposeful life. Just sayin!

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