To the Jews who had believed
him, Jesus said, “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
Even
though Jesus said this to the Jews, since Gentiles became “grafted into” God’s family as children of light this statement
applies to us as well. “If you hold to my teaching” means very
simply, if you abide by it or if you practice it. Jesus didn’t teach the masses for His
health. He was laying the groundwork for
freedom living. He was teaching His
listeners how to love another and live in peace. He was showing them how to be obedient and
how to be patient. Aside from Christ
teaching us how would we know?
Christ’s teaching is declared to be “the truth”. What is
truth? In John 18:38, Pilate asks Jesus
the very same question. Truth is defined
in several ways: reality, actuality, factual.
While I believe ones perception is their reality, this is something far
different. Jesus isn’t saying His truth
is one of many truths. He is saying
unequivocally that His truth is THE truth, surpassing all other supposed
truths. There is one way to reach
heaven, not many different ways as purposed by Hindus. Christ represents the one true way to
heaven. He is the only “religious”
figure who sacrificed Himself for the sake of others. No other “religious” prophet or founder has
ever done that. Not Buddha, not
Mohammed, not Joseph Smith (Mormon founder) gave their own life for the sake of
others. The truth of the matter is that
Jesus Christ is the only one who did because He was the only one who
could. He was the only sinless man
available to sacrifice Himself as a sin payment for all mankind.
If we as believers hold onto the teachings of Jesus and
apply them to our lives, we will invariably begin to think, speak and act in a
way that lines up with Christ. We are to
imitate Him in all ways. Since we are
human we struggle. We cuss and fuss and
fume over things we have no control over.
In the end we exhaust ourselves.
The truth is that if we live our lives the way Christ intends us to we
will avoid much of the stress that eats at us and exude a peaceful spirit. That is what will draw people to God. When they see us at peace in all situations
it just may cause a dialogue to open up.
Be ready to share the hope you have inside at all times (1 Peter 3:15). Until next time, walk with the King and be a
blessing!
