Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding. Proverbs 23:23
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2Thessalonians 2:9-10
Purchase truth. Love it, or you will be deceived (and fall away). The truth will set you free. There is so much truth about truth. Our battle with satan, the world and our flesh is inherently a battle over what is true. It just makes sense that the truth would bind us together. Right?
So why are there 30,000+ registered denominations in the United States? Here are some things to consider. Let us know what you think.
The fight to be right has cost many the truth.
We put a stake in the ground and tie ourselves to it; only to find that the lead is not as long as we thought.
Purchase the truth, but don’t suppose you own it all or that you are using it correctly. You may find yourself cutting the hedge with a lawnmower.
You can “name and claim” the truth in the same way some do with financial provision. And presumption limits the abundance of God’s truth as much as it does His provision.
Doctrines are not wrong in and of themselves. It is the way they are “owned”. Many have ignorantly presumed their doctrine to be the complete truth on a matter; others have pridefully taken ownership of it. In both cases, the owner requires purchase of their truth to be a part their group. Their truth qualifies another for fellowship – even salvation.
Are God’s thoughts not above our own? It is not enough to say, “of course”, and then treat the ocean gulf of mystery as if it was a mud puddle. But we do? Why? Well, I can jump over a mud puddle. No problem. Easy as pie. And I don’t need anyone’s help (including God’s) to move on to the next intellectual challenge. Understanding the mysteries of God are more like navigating the Gulf of Mexico…on foot… in a hurricane.
The truth is costly. It requires a change. The Bible doesn’t describe it as sharp and dividing of soul from spirit for nothing.
The love for the truth is evidenced by a life lived in accordance with it. And God is careful not to give us more than we will be obedient to walk in.
One of the more challenging truths I have learned in my time as an Elder is that relationship with my brother is more important than being right with the truth. Some years ago, a brother in our fellowship began speaking out about a new revelation. Though every member of the Elder Board agreed that this brother was espousing heresy (and in a rebellious way), we spent the better part of a year endeavoring to maintain fellowship with him and his family.
Some would say we were too accommodating. To be honest, there were times when I thought so. To be real honest, in the beginning I just wanted to dismiss the whole family from our fellowship. Thank God for the counsel of spiritual fathers.
We chose to love first – the first of all truths. It is one of the best things I have ever done as a Christian – for me and for our fellowship. It has been a transformation highlight in my walk with God. We trusted Him with His truth. It was liberating.
The worse thing about the fight to be right is it divides the Body of Christ. It grieves every member of the Godhead. It is an affront to Christ’s prayer for unity (John 17:20-23). In the process it handicaps evangelism and inhibits the flow of God’s glory from His Son to His children. Now here this: It is counter to the glory of God.
Ironically, it also inhibits the revelation of truth. It is WE who have the mind of Christ, not each one of us individually.
Lastly, there is nothing in Scripture that suggests we will be judged by the superior rightness of our doctrine. But it has much to say about our love for the brethren and our submission to one another. I am not one to judge, but it seems to me that there is some stern warning in this.
Dear God, in receiving a love for the truth, may we first and most fervently purchase the truth of love – for You and for the brethren. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Your servant and His,
Rob