By Dr. Dianne Coflin, Co-Pastor, River of Life Church
In Psalms 51:6 the Psalmist prayed:
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”
Truth is defined as “that which conforms with fact or reality. It is genuineness, veracity, or actuality. In a word, truth is reality. It is how things actually are.
Truth is not determined by personal feelings, popular vote, scientific consensus, or any human court of appeal. Truth simply is what is and is anchored in the God who created and sustains the universe. Truth corresponds with what actually is!” (Stephen Lawson)
I love this definition because we are told over and over throughout God’s Word how important the truth is. In a world so incredibly turned upside down, with all kinds of perceived truths, based on what somebody else says, or some video that was in part, or some news that only spins a story to tell their truth, it’s no wonder that there is so much confusion, unrest, and lack of peace.
We see families torn apart from what appears to be perceived lies about each other. Employers and employees at odds with one another and children with perceived ideas about their parents, which may or may not be true. And yes, even churches and church families fighting amongst themselves.
God’s Word is our plumbline, an ensign for truth. God desires us to know truth and it is where He will make us to know wisdom.
Jesus said, “Thy Word is Truth.”
“Truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory, and being of God. Truth is the self-disclosure of God Himself. It is what it is because God declares it so and made it so. All truth must be defined in terms of God, whose very nature is truth.” (Lawson)
In light of His Truth, we clearly get a picture of why our world is in such chaos.
In the Book of James, true wisdom is revealed:
“But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices.” James 3:14-16 AMPC
Are we not seeing this earthly wisdom played out before our eyes and ears? It’s a superficial wisdom not based on actual truth but deceiving many because it is birthed out of jealousy, envy, selfish ambition, and pride.
You can see in the following scripture the contrast between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom (truth). The wisdom that comes from God is easy to receive and bears witness in your heart that it is the truth.
“But the wisdom from above (from the Lord) is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle), [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).” James 3:17
You see, God cannot lie. You may need to ask yourself, is what I received as intel the truth? Maybe by looking at the two forms of wisdom revealed in the above scripture, you can see more clearly what is true and adjust accordingly. Worldly wisdom is earthly, sensual, and demonic. It produces the fruit of disharmony, rebellion, and unrest. Ask yourself, “Is that the kind of wisdom my belief system is built on?
Ask yourself again “Is what I believe the truth?”
Food for thought!
Dr. Dianne Coflin
Co-Pastor, River of Life Church
410 East Chapman Rd. Lutz, Florida.
Our services are 10:30am Sunday and Wednesday at 7:00pm. Childcare provided. We would love to have you visit with us!