Monday, February 12, 2018
John 8:31-32 If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
SMART OR FOOLISH?
Do you ever question your own judgment? Do you look back on something you said or did and wonder, "Why?" Chances are it seemed like a good idea at the time. It seemed like a good use of time to put oil in a pan to heat up on the stove while you just stepped out the back door for a moment. But then you came back to a pan in flames. It seemed like a great idea to put off homework, enjoy a sunny afternoon, and watch a movie; that is, until the next day in class. Why not squeeze just one more activity into the weekend? It sounds good until you're totally exhausted and still have things to do.
Our own judgment at times is questionable, and especially so in spiritual matters. To human reason it seems like a good idea to figure out one's own path to God. If something looks good and feels good, then it must be good. If the people around me accept a certain lifestyle, then it must be OK. If I do my best, then God will be happy with me. It seems smart to say and do what will make life here on earth as comfortable as possible. After all, it's my life, so who knows better than I do what's right for me?
The problem is that our thinking and perceptions are warped by sin. Because of that, what seems smart is really foolish, what appears good to our natural reason is deadly to our souls. So how can we know what is truly wise in the big picture? We don't have to wonder. We don't have to trust our own instincts or those of friends, experts, scientists, or philosophers. Jesus says, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). He prayed to the Father: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17).
The truth is that the only way to God is through Jesus, who gives us His perfect righteousness and took our sins to the cross. The only life pleasing to Him is the one lived by faith which looks to the Word as a "lamp to our feet and a light for our path." Test your judgment and decisions with the unfailing, eternally reliable Word from God Himself.
