from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church http://bit.ly/2YM8D42
via IFTTT Truth. Light. Life. These three go together. But to perceive truth, we must want to find truth over all else. We must deeply desire to know what is true, even if it means that we must change. Our heart must be right. We must desire truth over all else. At first glance we may be tempted to say "everyone desires truth", but this is not true. Many, often most people, want to make their own truth, go their own way, make their own path. They seek the authority to declare their own truth. They are more concerned with "what is true for me" then absolute truth. In fact, these people end up rejecting the very notion of absolute truth. And it is sad to see. Paul is saying here that there is "a" truth. One. Those who spend their lives dedicated to understanding that truth are blessed with finding it. Those who prefer to run their own lives, never discover truth. Instead they walk around blindly, always learning but never understanding. And the amazing point is what Paul says here. "God Himself gives them a deluding spirit". They will not see the truth even if standing right in front of it. They will continue to believe their own lies, and the lies of the voices they hear. Is this cruel? Why would God block someone from find ding truth? Simple... He can not allow them to find truth through their own efforts. If they did, they would "be like God", the promise of satan in the garden. Satan told man it is best to "eat of the fruit of knowledge of good and evil" because doing so would make man "like God" , able to be independent, an authority to himself. And man fell for it. If God then allowed man to succeed in this open rebellion, man would be convinced it was best to betray God and thereby play right into satan's hands. So, God hides truth from those who seek to follow through on that rebellion of the garden. Creating our own truth or denying that there is absolutely truth is the same sin. This sort of rebellious attitude against God will fail. God Himself ensures it. What is the answer then? Seek truth, the truth. Even if truth means we are wrong, even if it means that we must change, seek truth above all else. Strive to lay aside our own thoughts and perceive the wisdom of God. But with a heart of service to the author of truth. Seek to serve God in truth. Not to empower ourselves, but to please our Father, Creator and God. Today we see endless debates on social media, and in person. People seemingly oblivious to truth. They debate not focused on finding truth, but in furthering what they see as truth. An attitude of pride and rebellion. Sin. And this sin brings the deluding influence where we do believe the lie. There is no logic, no argument that can convince such a person otherwise. Only when God lifts the deluding influence will they see the light. And that will only happen when the heart changes from proving truth to finding truth. Do you know the truth? Paul admitted that even he "saw life through a dark glass". He did not understand it all yet he taught millions and authored most of the New testament. Finding truth is a lifetime of peeling back layers of the onion one at a time. Diving deeper and deeper into understanding, led by the Holy Spirit. You see, no man can make you or I see truth. Only God can do that. We speak words, but the Holy Spirit opens the understanding. He is the teacher who will lead us into all truth. Man is words. Spirit is truth. So pray, seek God to open your eyes and heart. Whether it be in politics, health, psychology, science, finances, education, family life, relationships, social issues, whatever... Turn to Him for truth. Pray to understand. Stop turning to man for truth and go straight to the author, God. It starts in prayer. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Start there.
