The Encourager
“"Living Your Truth" - Jesse Flowers”
"LIVING YOUR TRUTH"
by Jesse A. Flowers
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17).
A modern expression that seems to be gaining in popularity and acceptance is: "Live your truth." What does that mean exactly? Writer Carly Victoria expressed it this way: "To live in your truth simply means to live as your most authentic self, doing things daily that bring you happiness and joy, living as true to yourself as possible." Kamal Ravikant, author of the book, Live Your Truth, stated: "Whatever human endeavor we choose, as long as we live our truth, it is success." In other words, to "live your truth" suggests that truth is subjective and relative; that truth is personal for each individual; to live your truth is all about YOU; it's whatever you think, feel, desire, and makes you happy; it can evolve over time; and you are your own standard.
Granted, the expression may be new, but the mindset is quite ancient. "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). "And the LORD said, 'Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked according to it, but they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts and after the Baals, which their fathers taught them'" (Jeremiah 9:13-14).
The Bible calls us to live God's truth, not our own. After all, it is His Word that is truth and that sanctifies us. Jesus declared to Satan: "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4). As Christ stood before Pontius Pilate, He stated: "For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice" (John 18:37).
Furthermore, as Paul wrote to the saints in Ephesus: "But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus" (Ephesians 4:20-21).
Where do we find "truth"? The truth is in Jesus! As the Lord testified to His apostles: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Jesus is THE TRUTH - not me, not you, or anyone else!
Perhaps one of the greatest lies of Satan today is the belief that we can define truth and determine reality from within ourselves. Let us resolve to live God's truth in our lives, by coming to know His truth and obeying His truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 5:3). And let us resolve to share that truth with one and all that they might be truly set free (John 8:32).
Deep Roots
by Shane Williams
Have you ever tried to remove a tree or stump from your yard? How about something as simple as a big bush? Where I grew up in California, a quarter of our front yard was full of Junipers. We decided to replace them with a lawn and I still remember how much work was involved for that to be accomplished. Even with shovels, and axe, lots of rope and a half-ton pickup, it was still a whole lot of work! Who would have thought it would be so difficult? I sure did not. Strong, deep roots had anchored those bushes firmly in the ground.
In the Bible, godly people are often likened to trees with strong deep roots (Psalm 1:3; Prov. 12:3; Jer. 17:7-8).
The branches of growing trees not only reach higher, but their roots grow deeper. It’s impossible for a strong tree to have high branches without having deep roots. It would become top-heavy and topple over in the wind.
The same is true with Christians. It’s not possible for us to grow in the Lord without interweaving our roots around His Word and deepening our life in His instructions.
Would you like to be a tall, immovable tree? That comes only through a life of Bible study, discipline, and faith - conditions that produce deep roots
