Imperative: Read the Truth

We’re always pursuing something--a championship, a personal best, a fit of belonging on our team or earning a scholarship--and we set our sights on the end prize and give our all to see our goals achieved.

In life, we do much the same--pursue relationships, promotions, meaning and accolades. Our human nature craves success. But to measure our success, we must know the standard and our anchoring point.

Over the next year, we’ll explore what it means to Pursue Truth, Life, Team and Mission. Each of these themes connect to engage in intentional pursuit of God and His great call on our lives.

For this, we start at the root of things: Truth.

What is Truth?

Truth comes to us in many forms from many people and ideas. We wonder what is right and if there really is a standard of one specific truth over everything else. And we dedicate effort and pursuit into finding what and how we believe.

We seek it because our souls want certainty.

The Bible has specific directions that lead to a full and everlasting life if we trust
that God knows where He is taking us.

Think about it. Have you ever felt like there was something more to this life, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it? That outside the winning seasons, the personal bests and scholarships, something else called to you? It’s a big world; where do you fit in, and what’s it all about, really?

If we feel uncertainty within us, it’s because there is something more to our days. There is Someone who knows our name and has shown us a way in which to live that brings truth to life. Jesus Christ brings us to the Father and sets the standard for how we love our neighbor, respect ourselves and seek first the will of God that has been already reconciled through the blood of His Son.

In just a few short sentences, Jesus points us towards truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”  (John 14:6)

In a world that can make us feel like we don’t know where we are going, Jesus grafts a greater Truth as we make a point to learn more about God through His Word.

Get in The Word

If we want to improve our skills in our sport, it only makes sense to spend time practicing, studying the game and taking care of ourselves to become better. In the same way, our spiritual training should be exercised if we want to grow in Christ. This is why it’s important to be in God’s Word every day.

Now that we’ve determined the truth of God in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we can prepare ourselves to dive deeper into the first layer of pursuing truth: Read the Truth.

How do we read truth? By pursuing God’s voice, which He shares with us in His word, the Bible. The more we read the truth of God, the more natural it will be brought into our daily life. It’s important to know why we believe what we do, and the Bible centers us in the unchanging certainty of God.

Here are three reasons why reading the Bible is imperative to our spiritual well-being:

God’s Word is a Road Map

It takes us where we need to go.

In a culture that can lead us in circles, we are on the lookout for places of rest and the right way to go. It can be a tiring journey, but God delights in giving us the fuel we need to continue forward. The Bible has specific directions that lead to a full and everlasting life if we trust that God knows where He is taking us.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
    I will advise you and watch over you.” -Psalm 32:8

God’s Word is an Anchor

It keeps us grounded.

As Jesus assures us of His position as the Son of God, His word magnifies and ties us to this truth. As the source for how we believe what we do, the Bible is a firm foundation from which we share our beliefs, find answers to the things that trouble us and keep us confident in God’s promises.

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.   

-Hebrews 6:18-19

God’s Word is a Lamp

It gives us light in the dark.

At times when we don’t know where to turn and all around us feels dim, oppressive and confusing, Jesus, the light of the world, illuminates our hearts. The more we get into Scripture, the more we begin to understand God's love and how we can apply it to our lives and relationships.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
    and a light for my path. -Psalm 119:105

The more we commit to knowing God’s Word, the more at peace we are and certain in times of trouble. The road of Pursue is long, but if we start with pursuing the truth, we’re well on our way to find a firm foundation for our faith.

Consider: Where have you gotten your truth? What makes God’s truth different?

Action: Challenge yourself to spend the next 30 days reading the Bible a little each day.