Tag Archives: God’s Word

Knowing God

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about the Bible, Part 2

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Our Search for Truth

Myths, lies, and misunderstandings (MLMs) are dangerous to the spiritual welfare of both believers and nonbelievers.  This is especially true with regard to MLMs about the Bible.  Why?  Because it results in people’s hesitancy to see the Bible as the authoritative source for their lives, their beliefs and their behaviors.

Last week I focused on the biggest MYTHS concerning the Bible in the 21st century.  Today we will complete this study by reviewing the most frequent LIES and MISUNDERSTANDINGS.

What is a Lie?

A lie is a statement that is false and is created with the intent to deceive. And Satan has done an excellent job in intentionally deceiving people to believe that the Bible is not the primary source of truth.

In this postmodern era, relativism offers the view that there is not absolute truth.  Truth is viewed as “relative” based on individual perceptions and considerations.  This kind of thinking often finds its place in the context of moral or ethical questions and decisions.   Satan has used this thinking to continue his campaign to “blind the eyes” of mankind to the source of truth and relevancy (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Lie #1 The Bible is no different than any other book.

Without a doubt, it is different! All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  The Bible was written by God using the unique talents and personalities of its authors.  They wrote “God’s Word” not as robots with pens.

The Holy Spirit superintended the human author without taking anything from their personalities.  He made sure that what they chose to write was exactly what He wanted to communicate to people through them.    The writers were different, but the message remained the same and was consistent, from Genesis to Revelations.

Lie #2 The Bible is full of errors and mistakes.  (Written by men who make mistakes)

First, I must share that In the Word Ministries believes in the authority of Scripture which is another way of saying that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant (without error) Word of God.  It is the ultimate source of knowledge about God, as well as the definitive guide for our daily lives.  It is the infallible rule of faith and practice.

Secondly, you will find that the Bible has been proven, by secular sources, to be historically correct and accurate in its rending of events recorded within it–this includes the people, places and events, including the events surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  A great resource on the historicity and inerrancy of Scripture is Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute, www.equip.org.

Is it just a Misunderstanding?

A misunderstanding is a mistake of meaning or intent.

Misunderstanding #1 The Bible is boring and difficult to read.    

The first question to ask concerning the Bible being boring is, “what is our intent in reading it?” The Bible was not written to entertain! It was written to reveal the plan of salvation God has for His people and to disclose who He is.  It is about INTENT and PURPOSE.

I am reminded of a story I heard in a business class.  A lady called to complain that the taste of Clorox should be changed.  She was using it as a mouth rinse.  The customer did not use the product for its intended purpose.

Although the Bible contains history and poetry, narratives and even love stories AND has been on the most read, best seller list for centuries, its purpose is not for entertainment.   It is the ultimate source of knowledge about God as well as the definitive guide for daily living.

 Don’t be Fooled!

Truth is being challenged on every hand.  It is important that we do everything in our power to ensure we make our decisions based on the best sources.  Beware of those things that mask the truth, especially concerning life now and eternity.  We must be on the alert for myths, lies, and misunderstandings that misguide and misdirect you from the purpose God has for our life.

 

Knowing God

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about the Bible, Part 1

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Why don’t people read the Bible?

If I had the definitive answer to that question, ministers would be flocking to my door.  I have, however, had opportunity to talk to many individuals who give reasons why they choose not to participate in Bible classes.

Their answers agreed with that which was discovered in the Barna Institute’s research study on the Bible.

With over 5 billion copies sold, the Bible remains earth’s most-read book. But the world in which we read and engage with the Bible is rapidly changing. The steady rise of skepticism is creating a cultural atmosphere that is becoming unfriendly to claims of faith; the adoption of self-fulfillment as our culture’s ultimate measure of good is re-orienting moral authority; and the explosive growth of digital tools such as Bible apps, daily reading plans, study resources and online communities offer unprecedented access to the Scriptures.[1]

 As stated earlier, the best strategy to guard against spiritual error is God’s truth.  That truth is available through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.  Therefore, as is the case with the Holy Spirit, the Bible is also the target of many myths, lies, and misunderstandings.  To that end, I would like to put forth the thought that many people don’t read the Bible because of myths, lies, and misunderstandings they have about the Bible.

Because MLMs about the Bible are widespread and spiritually detrimental, we will focus this week’s WordBytes on Bible myths.  Myths are widely held but false beliefs or ideas.  Myths are upheld to misrepresent the truth and to maintain certain views or ideas, i.e., the worldview, Satan’s lies.

The Bible is outdated.

This myth supposes that God is like man, constrained by time and space.   He is not.  God is infinite and never changes (Malachi 3:6).  His Word is therefore timeless.  In addition, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8) and His judgments unsearchable (Romans 11:33,34).   Who is in position to question His intentions and instructions?

The Bible is “contemporary”.  Its knowledge and wisdom come from God who whose existence is independent of any created being.  The Bible speaks truth regardless of the reader’s position in time.

It reveals God’s expectations of us and how we are to relate to one another—family, socially, and the church and to Him.  It contains both moral and social principles of living which are never outdated.

The Bible is irrelevant in the 21st century.

We often hear this myth about the Bible because it doesn’t conform to the world’s view—which is usually contrary to the way and wishes of God.  This belief is common and is based on a “self-directed” life, where individuals are encouraged to pursue their own path in life.

However, Jesus warned in his Sermon of the Mount (Matthew 7:13-14).

You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way.   But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.

The truth of the matter is the Word causes great discomfort to those who operate as “sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).  The Word’s power causes individuals to feel convicted of their wrongdoing and therefore, they reject its application to their life (Hebrews 4:12-13).

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Next week, we will discuss, “Lies and Misunderstandings” about the Bible.

[1] The Bible in America:  6-Year Trend, Barna Research Group.

Spiritual Maturity

Are you a Truth Teller?

Are you a Truth Teller?

Are you a truth teller? 

We (believers) define truth as the meaning and reality of life defined by God versus truth shaped by postmodern thinking.  The believer’s source of truth is presented by God Himself in His Word and through the direction of the “Spirit of Truth”, the Holy Spirit.

Truth defined by God becomes the compass by which believers are able to discern truth from error (1 John 4:6) therefore allowing them to live out their God-ordained purpose (Ephesians 2:10).

How well am I doing with being truthful?

Following God’s truth may result in rejection and personal persecution.  Inside the safety of the church walls it’s easy to agree with the ethics and morality inherent in God’s truth.

However, once outside the “physical boundaries” of the church, it is the “heart” which must reflect God’s truth.  It is the heart that directs the mind, will, and emotions (the soul) to sieve the noise of the world through the filter of God’s truth.

Truth and obedience are closely connected as believers must choose between God’s instructions or man’s acceptance (Matthew 10:28).

Does the world want to know the truth?

We discussed this question earlier as to the world’s readiness for the truth.  Often the world’s responses make the truth appear to be a remnant of the 20th century—no longer relevant in today’s fast-paced, high tech world.    Unfortunately, truth is often defined by what’s trending on social media.

To further complicate the search for truth, corporate/community leaders and aspiring politicians create “untruthful” responses to difficult social issues that simply satisfy people who don’t really want to know the truth; so the community and nation are given a lie (instead of truth) to make them feel better.

Unfortunately people would rather believe a lie than the truth—think about that for a minute!  Are people really being deceived or are they simply choosing to believe a lie? It’s easier (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Am I ready to be a truth teller?

In Psalm 119:46, the writer speaks of their unfailing dedication to the truths offered by  God:  “I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings.  And will not be ashamed.”  Testimonies speak of witnessing.  In Scripture, it relates specifically to divine testimonies or truth directly from God.

We must ask ourselves why we sometimes choose to believe a lie rather than the truth.  The truth may be related to our life style, our family, or even about us personally.  Perhaps we are judgmental, critical, or unforgiving.  That’s why it is so important to regularly pray that the Holy Spirit expose those areas that interfere with receiving the truth of God.

The gold standard for truth tellers

To be a truth teller requires boldness to stand for holy “rightness” (Hebrews 13:6) and to proclaim what is God’s truth versus what is politically or socially correct (Luke 12:4-5; Psalms 119:46).

When Jesus taught the Beatitudes to His disciples, He established a new standard of truth that was to be actualized in the life of the believer—a standard that would result in holy and sanctified (set apart) living.

Paul declared himself to be a truth teller.  While it resulted in his persecution and polarization from the mainstream, he boldly proclaimed:  “None of these things [persecution and prison] move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I can finish my race with joy.” (Acts 20:24)

Let us follow the examples given to us by God.  Dare to be a truth teller.

Spiritual Maturity

Truth: The Divine Perspective

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Truth: The Divine Perspective

Truth is an incredibly significant concept.  Our view of truth shapes not only our personal lives but also our society.  It especially impacts our relationship with God including our view of Scripture.

Our definition of truth is affected by what we watch, what we read, and even the opinions of our friends.  Add to that the sway of social media, your “truth” is being adjusted with every post and tweet you receive.  Imagine there are 500 million tweets sent every day[1].  Scary isn’t it.

Let’s face reality!  We live in an age where we are being bombarded by varying opinions as to what is or isn’t truth.  Because of these deceptive trends, it is important that we have a reliable and trustworthy compass by which to navigate in this world.  We need guidance from God.  We need God’s divine perspective.

God’s perspective of truth

In the Old Testament, truth is rendered as true or faithful.  In either case, the Hebrew concept communicates reliability and trustworthiness.   This trustworthiness is frequently used to describe God’s divine faithfulness (Psalms 31:5; Jeremiah 42:5).

In the New Testament, truth emphasizes reality as God has revealed it in creation (Romans 1:18) and in the gospel (Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5; 1 Timothy 2:4).   God’s perspective of truth is given to us through His Word and through the Spirit of Truth—the Holy Spirit.  Armed with these divine gifts we are provided a continual source of truth.

Truth in action

Adherence to the truth was critical during the formation of the early Church. Pressured by the Judaizers to continue with the practice of circumcision, the church at Galatia was in danger of spiritual error.  They were rejecting the truth (salvation through Jesus Christ alone) to avoid persecution.  We at one time or another have been guilty of quietly accepting error versus being truth tellers.  That is to our shame.

In Galatians 5:7, Paul poses a question to this young church: “You were getting along so well. Who has interfered with you to hold you back from following the truth?”

Paul continues by stating emphatically, “This persuasion does not come from the One who calls you.”  When we drift from the truth that God has revealed, we can be assured of its origin—the puppeteer of deception and lies, Satan.

Coram Deo is a Latin phrase translated “in the presence of God”.  It has its origin is Christian theology which summarizes the idea of Christians living in the presence of, under the authority of, to the honor and glory of God.  Truth is to be lived Coram Deo.

Practicing God’s divine perspective

Truth is to be practiced not only within the church but also outside its four walls. Imagine the impact that error has on every aspect of our society—in our homes, in the workplace, and in our institutions.  Practicing God’s divine perspective acknowledges the importance of sharing truth in every sphere of our life.

Using God’s revelation, we have access to reliable knowledge—divine truth—about God, about ourselves, and how we are to live in relationship with our fellow man.  Unfortunately, we often separate our “faith walk” from our “lifestyle”.  God’s truth should permeate every area of our life.  Practicing God’s divine perspective requires that we walk in God’s truth continuously. 

Dependency on the Divine

Our dependence on God’s truth is not based on emotional sentimentalities but firmly grounded in the nature of God (Deuteronomy 7:9).  We walk in accordance with His moral realities and act in harmony with His divine revelations (Psalms 26:3).   Practicing God’s divine perspective recognizes God’s trustworthiness.

Knowing the reliability of God and accepting the reality of God, we can begin to operate from God’s divine perspective.  God’s divine truth becomes the vehicle by which we can successfully navigate in this 21st century postmodern society.

[1] Brandwatch.com

Spiritual Maturity

Our Search for Truth

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Our Search for Truth

 

Truth by whose reality?

What is truth?  Truth is defined by Webster as that which agrees with reality. But whose reality do we, as believers, adhere to?   With all the political rhetoric, contentious debates, and social bantering, we need truth.  Behind the social messaging, news bytes and sound bits, is the world we live in redefining “what truth is and what it isn’t”.

What’s your truth source?

In decades past, people could depend on the media to communicate the “truth”.   Newspapers, magazine publications and newscasters were committed to operating at the highest ethical standards.  We could depend upon our local leaders—civic or religious—to offer us truth. But over time that has changed.

The sources of truth and information in the 21st century are growing exponentially and based on the “issue of the day”.  They represent many diverse voices and views. Decentralized digital platforms and social media offer opinions based on varying perspectives and preferences: personal, political, or popular.

Rapidly influencing our daily life is artificial intelligence (AI) and digital knowledge systems which people use to provide answers for their special situations and life, in general.  While AI provides access to vast amounts of information quickly, users may tend to over trust automated answers which could contain errors.   Could our dependency on AI have addictive consequences?

Why is Truth Important?

It is important because life has consequences for being wrong. Giving the wrong amount of a medication to someone can kill them.  Having an investment manager make the wrong monetary decisions can impoverish a family.  Boarding the wrong plane will take you where you didn’t want to go.

As Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias put it, “The fact is, the truth matters—especially when you’re on the receiving end of a lie.” And nowhere is this more important than in the areas of faith and religion. Eternity is a long time to be wrong.

The Apostle Paul warned the young minister Timothy of the dangers that awaited him as new converts would “turn away their ears from the truth and be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).  It is important that we have a real-time, reliable, and trustworthy source to help us ferret out truth in the world.

Connecting with Truth

Believers face a major challenge to walk in biblical truth while living in a postmodern world.   Especially when that truth is measured against the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ.

As believer’s are reality is grounded in God.  We no longer follow the worldview—its influence was negated by the Blood.  Our meaning and reality is now realigned with God (2 Corinthians 5:15).   While there are many proposed definitions of the truth,  there can only be one

 More than ever before it is critical that we connect with the only True Source of Truth, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 14:6).  God’s Word and the Spirit of Truth stand ready to silence the lies, myths and fables we might hear (2 Timothy. 4:3-4).  It is God’s truth that will guide our behaviors and our responses in this fallen world. God is the only source of truth for our lives.  More next week as we search for truth.

Spiritual Maturity

What I Learned in 2025: How I Got Over

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What will we do with the Holy Spirit?

How I Got Over.

In the 70’s, Aretha Franklin recorded the song, “How I Got Over”.  It declares, in amazement, at the end of each chorus, “My soul looks back and wonders, how I got over.”

2025 was a hard year for me—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  Emotionally, I was daily challenged to understand how to process the hateful rhetoric that was rapidly emerging in our nation.  Rhetoric that threatened my personal rights provided by our democratic systems. Physically, my health reflected a decline that sometimes comes with aging.  Some were heredity; others were the effect of poor lifestyle choices.  Spiritually, the Lord stretched me with people and experiences that challenged my trust and obedience to Him.  “Pray for my enemy? Really?”

With that as my backdrop, I now take this opportunity to reflect on the past year and ask, “what have I learned?” Like the Sankofa bird of African folklore, what will I leave behind in 2025 and what will I take with me as I enter this new year.

Learn from Me.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers Himself as the remedy to the emotional, physical, and spiritual weight pressing His Disciples and His followers in that day.  His offer?   “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.”

Learn (man-than’-o) means to increase one’s knowledge. It is further defined that the knowledge should be like that of the one teaching it.   For the stress of 21st century living, Jesus is the source of all knowledge and understanding.  He continues to be “the way, the truth, and the life.”  (John 14:6)

As we grow in the knowledge of Christ, the true SOURCE, we are drawn closer to Him, we become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).   We learn by becoming single-minded and committed to the things of God.  This strengthens our resolve during hard times, resulting in “strength to prevail”.

How do we tap into the power that prevails? It starts with what I call being single-hearted. We are single hearted when we cherish God above all things. Scripture promises that God will come to those who are single hearted. (2 Chronicles 16:9). God gives the strength that prevails to those whose hearts are fully given over to him.  (Luke 21:34-35)[1]

What I will leave?

In the tradition of the Sankofa bird, in 2026, what will I leave behind and what will I take with me?

I leave behind those things that hinder me emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of Life.  (1 John 2:15-16, NKJV)

These are listed by the Apostle John as those things that keep us connected to the world.  Lust is a powerful and complex emotion, often characterized by intense desire and attraction. They lead us away from our relationship with God.

Lusts keep us tethered to “our flesh” with desires that ultimately corrupt and erode our love for the things of God and the life we have in Christ. Lust holds our soul’s hostage (mind, will, and emotions) by promising things that will never satisfy.  Lust will continue to demand more.

What I will take?

I will take with me those things that have served me well. These represent key learnings in 2025.  If I had to choose one broad header it would be seeking God and being in His presence.   Especially rewarding has been practicing the discipline of silence and solitude.

In those moments where there is an absence of talking, there is the great reward of hearing Jesus speak.  It may be through God’s Word that captures my attention during meditation.  During moments of submission, I empty myself to make room for God’s Spirit, which becomes divine wisdom for the days ahead.

If I follow my plan for 2026, I pray I will be able to see not only “how I got over” but WHY I got over.  It’s not necessarily the WHAT but the WHO!

[1] Resilient, John Elderidge, “The Strength that Prevails”, 51-52

Spiritual Guidance

Navigating Life with Truth and Spiritual Discernment

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In search of truth

Can we agree that truth is important?  But how do we handle the growth in mis-, dis-, and counter-information we receive daily?  Because of these increases, individuals, communities and institutions have become more strategic in response to these truth crushers.

These strategies include educational campaigns that recognize unreliable sources and the creation of fact-checking organizations.  Social media companies and technology platforms have implemented partnerships that identify misleading and harmful content.

Individual strategies include unfollowing or blocking habitual spreaders of falsehood, fact-checking, and withdrawing from platforms with disinformation.  Despite all these efforts, unfortunately, people tend to trust misinformation that aligns with their beliefs.

If truth is ultimately found, how do we use it, especially in our faith walk?  Truth is best used in practicing spiritual discernment.

What is spiritual discernment?

Discernment involves the process of keen insight and good judgment.  People express discernment about things that are important to them.  For example, if you are watching your weight, you will be very discerning about the food you select and its preparation.  If you need legal advice, you will exercise great discernment in the selection of the best lawyer to assist you.  In similar manner, spiritual discernment helps believers “judge well”.

Spiritual discernment encompasses separating divine truth from error.  This is a difficult task as we are torn between the world’s influence, our human flesh, and Satan’s deception.  First Thessalonians 5:21 advises us to “Test all things; hold fast to what is good.”  The world has told us there is no such thing as “good”—no standard of right or wrong; it is all relative, based on each person’s unique situation.

Spiritual discernment, however, depends on truth.  It is the God-given ability to perceive, understand, and judge what is true, right, and aligned with God’s will.  It does not rely on personal feelings, cultural trends, or partial knowledge.  Spiritual discernment without truth leads to confusion, error, and deception (Hebrews 5:14)

Our source of spiritual discernment

First and foremost, as believers, we accept God’s Word as the ultimate source of truth.  It is our spiritual “warning system” for detecting error.  It is the perfect standard by which we distinguish right from wrong.  Spiritual discernment is sharpened through deep knowledge of Scripture.  Without truth from the Word, spiritual discernment becomes subjective or distorted.

    • For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
    • The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (Psalm 119:160)

Secondarily, The Holy Spirit, living within us, is the Truth Discerner, who will lead us into all truth.  He knows the mind of God and will direct us based on God’s purpose and plan for our life.

    • But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13)
    • So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)

Spiritual discernment is a Spirit-empowered ability to apply truth to every life situation and decision we make.

A Closing Warning

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy in 67 C.E.  that the time would come “when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold,  and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].”  (2 Timothy 4:3-4, Amplified)  

God has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us in all wisdom and knowledge, that we may live righteous and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3-4).  If we seek only to be “healthy, wealthy, and wise”, we will not be spiritually discerning.  It is our responsibility as children of light (Ephesians 5:8) and defenders of truth (1 Peter 3:15) to embrace and cultivate spiritual discernment.   Spiritual discernment is critical for navigating 21st century living.

Spiritual Endurance

The Spirit of Truth for the 21st Century

 

Truth’s Beginning

In our family, the truth was highly valued.  It was critical to raising children and instilling one of  the most important measurement of one’s character.

We were told to tell the truth even if it meant punishment.  Why?  Because we truly believed that a lie, which would ultimately be discovered,  carried grave consequences.   Guess what?  Lies still carry grave consequences especially in the 21st century when truth is not valued.

Truth Warning

John F. Kennedy, the thirty-fifth President of the USA, shared the following observation about truth.

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie — deliberate, contrived, and dishonest — but the myth — persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.  

What are the myths we are embracing today?   In our personal lives, in our families, in our nation.   What are the persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic myths we are “choosing” to include in our belief systems and personal views?

The Apostle Paul warned his young minister Timothy of the dangers that await him as new converts would “turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).

Truth today is often packaged in many forms.  Many are more speculation and creative editorializing, than substantive truth.  Because of this trend, it is important that believers have a “real-time” reliable and trustworthy compass by which to navigate in this world.  While our primary guide is the Word of God, as we discussed last week, God has also provided another source—the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.

The Source of Truth

Earlier we defined truth as that which agrees with reality. For the believer, our reality has been defined by what God has placed in His written Word.

For Jesus’ disciples, however, there was no written Word as they faced a hostile world without the presence of their Beloved Jesus (John 15:18-20).  It was Jesus’ presence that gave them the courage to challenge the spiritual tyranny of the religious leaders.  They would need God’s truth as they turned their focus to witnessing (Acts 1:8), baptizing and teaching (Matt. 28:19-20).

In John 14:16-16, Jesus promises to send the Spirit of Truth that would abide with them forever.  It was the Holy Spirit Who would now come to live within them.  We generally think of the Holy Spirit in terms of gifting or empowering believers to accomplish the purposes and ministries of Christ.  However, the attribute Jesus chose to share with His disciples in John’s text focused on “truth”.  It would be the Spirit of Truth that would assist the disciples as they were persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of Truth-Yesterday, Today, and Forever

The Spirit of Truth would assist the disciples in accomplishing the “greater works” promised by Jesus (John 14:12).   Jesus was indeed “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.  After Jesus’ departure, the ministry of truth would continue because the Spirit of Truth.

Like the disciples of the first century, believers in the 21st century have the assistance of the Spirit of Truth to assist them especially in exposing the spirit of error.  The spirit of error is seen in the morays and life styles of the world.  For unbelievers, it leads them to be deceived and disobedient to the purposes of God in their life (Ep. 2:2).

For the believer, the spirit of error tempts them to doubt God truth and draw them away from the leading of the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:15).  The Spirit of Truth stands ready to silence the lies, myths and fables of the 21st century.  Our confidence lies in the promise, power, and presence of the Spirit of Truth.  He is our True Compass as we search for truth.

Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: Best Life Recapitulated

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Best Life Recapitulated

Recapitulated—What have we learned?

Recapitulate means to summarize and state again the main point.

These past few weeks we’ve been attempting to define what “best life” looks like. We began by evaluating best life from a worldview.  In fairness to this overall process, we also considered the biblical perspective.  Before moving forward, a decision was needed as to which view believers were to follow.

It was at this point that a decision was needed.  Believers must draw a spiritual dividing line in order to insure that the influence of the flesh and the world cannot remove our distinctive difference.

Using the Bible as the final authority on what we embrace and follow in our lives, believers are to follow God’s definition of best life based on our new life and new allegiance to God  (2 Cor. 5:15-17).  We are also to focus on eternal things and “life outcomes” that are god-honoring.

Time to Decide

Based on what we have learned, there are two questions that may help us finalize our description of best life.

The first question was asked and answered last week: “What does God say about best life?”

The second question is this.  Of the two views (worldview and biblical view), which one is more likely to satisfy the longing that we may have? Self-directed or Christ-directed?

If we reach self-actualization in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, are we guaranteed that we will be content and fulfilled?  Those we see as “having it all” still deal with dissatisfaction in their life.  Self-actualization may not give all it promises as evidenced by the incidents of depression, substance abuse, and suicide among great artists, celebrities, and business moguls.

For those of us who identified with the things people wanted in life, the question is the same.  Does possession of any or all those items on the “wish list” guarantee contentment?  Remember there was only one tangible item on the list—money.  The rest were intangibles—unable to be touched or grasped but understood or felt in the heart.

Let’s find a Best Life SME (Subject Matter Expert)

At this point, what might be helpful would be to interview someone who had not only pursued best life but also attained it.  They had reached self-actualization and the one tangible (money) on the “10 Most Wanted” list.

In addition, this person should be familiar with “spiritual” options.  Let me introduce our special SME, King Solomon, the king of the United Kingdom of Israel.

Solomon was a fabulously wealthy and sensible king of the United Kingdom of Israel who succeeded his father, King David. Solomon was the biblical king most famous for his wisdom. God granted Solomon not only wisdom but also great wealth and fame because he did not ask for self-serving rewards. (1 Kings 3:7-14).

Solomon authored the book of Ecclesiastes, in which, he built the case to show that the pursuits of this world are vanity.  “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecc. 1:2).  Vanity in this context is the quality of being worthless or futile.  Ecclesiastes is located with the other wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

Chapter after chapter, Solomon (“The Preacher” as he identifies himself) presents the case that the vanities of this world are insufficient to make us happy.  He contrasts the vileness of sin, and its certain tendency to make us miserable, with the wisdom of being religious (godly and god-honoring).  Our well-being and satisfaction are only possible through our allegiance to God and our love for man.

In closing, Solomon, by way of exhortation, directs his readers (and us 21st century believers) to remember our Creator, to fear Him, and to keep His commandments.  Solomon gives no recommendation to pursue best life.

Conclusion

God alone can satisfy our hierarchy of needs—basic, psychological, and self-fulfilling.  God is our Jehovah-Jireh (Gen. 22:14).   Our intangible desires are readily available through God’s Spirit (Gal. 5: 22-23).

King Solomon, the Apostle Paul, and more importantly, Jesus have given us the essence of what best life looks like.  It is not a list of “dos and don’ts” but a standard of life.

Livin’ our best life is…

    • a life style that acknowledges the reality of God. God is the Creator and Source of all life who has been uniquely made known to us through His Son Jesus Christ.  We live confidently in the reality of His presence, His power, and His provision.   (Acts 17:28)
    • a life choice that recognizes the authority of God in our life. God’s will and purpose for our lives is revealed in His Word and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  We choose to trust in the goodness and greatness of God to direct our life’s journey. (Gal. 2:20)
    • a life vocation that commits to the purpose God has chosen for us. We are persuaded that the Kingdom of God has arrived in the coming of Jesus Christ and is imminent in Jesus’ return.  We, therefore, focus our energies on doing those things that honors and glorifies God.  (Phil. 3:12-14)

Livin’ our best life can only be realized through a relationship with God and in Christ Jesus.  Through this relationship, we have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3-4) and blessings that exceed our expectations (Ep. 1: 3-14).  Therefore, in Christ, we are livin’ our best life.

Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: The Answer for Best Life

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The Answer for Best Life Options for best life

The 21st century offers many options for our lives.  That is why it is important that we, as believers, discern what voice we “actively” listen to.  This is especially true when it comes to determining what living our best life should look like.

In our series, we determined that some individuals make their choice based on who they are and what’s important to them.  Last week we attempted to identify what best life looks like.  We determined that the essence of best life can be based on our human needs and things we most desire.

So, what is the answer for best life!  I concluded last week’s teaching with a statement that will help to set the context for best life for believers in the 21st century.  Which choice most accurately represents “best life for us”?  For believers, we are to go to The Source, Who is to be the final authority on everything we do (or it should be).  That authority is God and His Word.  It is now time to consider the number one question, “what does God say about best life.”

The Dividing Line

The believer’s life is to look vastly different from the world we live in.  We are to seriously demonstrate and witness to our new life in Christ.  That being the case, our best life should reflect a life lived for Christ.

The Barna Institute reports the increasing difficulty in distinguishing believers from the unsaved world.  Unfortunately, we are not seen as living any differently than our unsaved family, friends, and acquaintances.  We have basically lost our saltiness and our light (Matt. 5:13-16).

This lack of distinction could be attributed to a number of factors including fear of abuse, lack of spiritual discipling, or spiritual immaturity. Some believers have even walked away from the traditional Church because of personal wounding or disillusionment with leadership.  What the future Church looks like, especially after COVID-19, is yet to be determined.

However, the imperfect nature of the Church does not negate the expectation that God has for His people.  We are to continually examine ourselves to insure we are living a life of faith under the direction of Jesus’ Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:10).  What does best life look like for believers?

Caution

Jesus shared what best life “was not” in the Sermon on the Mount Discourse.  He gives a command that will provide us a framework for identifying what best life looks like.  Jesus begins with his first instruction (Matt. 6:19-21).

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus closes with this requirement (Matt. 6:33).  

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

The verb “seek” is an imperative in the Greek language.  An imperative expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action by the order and authority of the one commanding.  What Jesus gives is not a casual invitation but an absolute command requiring full obedience.  “All these things” lovingly includes not only our needs but also the desires of our heart (Ps. 37:4).

Jesus knows we have needs.  It is His desire that we not worry nor become preoccupied with possession of things.  By faith we know that we will be cared for.  Focusing on Christ lessens our anxieties as we attempt to live during these uncertain times (Phil. 4:6-7).

Moving to best life

The Apostle Paul further clarified Jesus’ teaching to the church at Colosse.  He pointed them to how to find best life (Col. 3:1-2).

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.   

Seek and set are also verbs that are in the imperative.  As with Jesus’ use in Matthew, it expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action.  It is not an invitation.  Both verbs are in the present tense which means it is a fact or reality occurring in actual time.  Therefore, we are commanded to keep seeking and keep setting our attention.  Where?

Notice the place where the “things and the affections” are found.  They are not on this earth but in heaven.  This directs our attention to those things that have eternal value and heavenly consequences.  Unfortunately, 21st century technology has created vehicles to capture the lusts of our flesh, our eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17).  We are continually bombarded with marketing messages and media that focus our attention on what we don’t have versus what is of greater value to the kingdom of God.

In the remainder of Colossians 3, Paul maps out the essence of best life for Christians.  Best life for Christians is life lived in Coram Deo.  Coram Deo summarizes the idea that Christian living is lived in the presence of, under the authority of, to the honor and glory of God.

We will conclude this study next week as we decide what best life looks like for each of us.