Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS CHOOSE TRUTH?
Who in their right mind, given the choice between a rusty, flat tires, beater bike or car and a brand new one, would pick the old one? That would be a foolish thing to do, wouldn't it? And yet, the Word of God says, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalm 14:1). The problem is that you and I daily pick the old one. We'd rather choose sin over sanctity, self over sacrifice, Satan over our Savior. Romans 8:6 says, "The mind of sinful man is death."
The reality is that we are unable to choose the new and perfect One -- Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last" (John 15:16). Appointed. It's like Jesus knighted us, young and old alike. But not because of the good in us or because of any great deeds we've done or special valor. Jesus's solution is simple. Because of His love and mercy He died for all our sins. He chose in His heart from before time began, to demonstrate His love for us to all the world in this way (Romans 5:8).
As Christians, we'd be foolish not to kneel in humble thanks before our Lord as we recognize the struggle between our old sinful man and our new man in Christ.
As we bow in humble thanks, we look to Him to "Stand firm" in our faith and in His strength! (Ephesians 6:14).
Jesus, my Truth, my Way, My sure, unerring Light,
On Thee my feeble soul I stay, Which Thou wilt lead aright.
My Wisdom and my Guide, My Counselor Thou art;
Oh, let me never leave Thy side Nor from Thy paths depart!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 433:1-2)
