In my devotion yesterday, I told about the bank robbery I witnessed. If you did not read about it yesterday, go back and read it. The police gathered us together (just like in your favorite police tv show) wanting to get all of the facts. I was blown away by the fact that we did not agree on what just happened. What channel were they watching because their “facts” did not match my “facts”! To this day it amazes me that I saw 2 men, one tall and one short, both were Black and in their 30s. Others saw 1 man or 4 men…of assorted sizes and ages. So why is it that we all saw the same event differently?
Well…we view all of life thru our own “world views”. A world view is the lens thru which we see the world around us. It’s our set of beliefs, assumptions we have (that may be true, partially true, or entirely false) about all of life. It’s a framework of beliefs, values, and conduct. It is our view of important questions like: Is there a God, what is real, and how do we know right from wrong. Our worldview helps us choose who to date, what to eat, and what is my purpose in life. It is thru this worldview that we see the world, we make decisions, interpret choices. It can cause 20 people in a bank to create our own perception of the facts. Our world view is influenced by family, experiences, education, social and economic situation…but most of all your view of God.
Each of us in the bank that day saw the robbery thru their worldview lens. There was only one truth that day and yet it looked different and impacted each person differently.
So…how does this apply to us today? Well we all see life differently based on the way we were brought up, our life situations, the stories of our past, dreams of the future….and of course the truth of who God is and how you respond to His Word and His Truth. Unfortunately, not everyone looks to God’s Word for what is true!
- Some define truth by their feelings…How they feel about something and what do they want the truth to be…the problem is that feelings are fickle and will always deceive you!
- Some define truth by their thoughts…What they think is true…their logic becomes their God. The problem is that our minds are tainted by sin and will lead us astray
- Some define truth by friends and popular opinion…I think we can see that that view is ever changing. What is true today may not be true tomorrow…and that can never be good!
- Some define the truth by Jesus, and His Word…His Word becomes our compass to the truth. His Word will transform our feelings, thoughts, opinions, and of course our actions. His Truth will never let you down…it will “set you free”. I love the fact that Jesus identifies Himself as “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”
- So…how can you know the TRUTH??? Know Jesus! Know His Word! Read it daily! Apply it to your life! Share it with others! Let the truth of His Word guide your thoughts, words and actions!
- I pray to the Lord daily for my family to be “men and woman of God…men and woman of integrity…may they know you as Lord and Savior…and then live accordingly…may you bind up Satan and all that is evil…and fill that void with more of your Holy Spirit”
- I like the devotion that I had read in Today’s Light, it put it this way… “When we meditate on God’s Word…think about it, roll it over and over in our minds, and talk to God about it…the Holy Spirit deposits the Truth in our hearts. It’s like a spiritual bank account from which he can draw to help us in times of decision, temptation, or challenge to our faith”
Speaking of the truth of God’s Word…..
Proverbs 2 :1-9… My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
Lord…Thank you for this day and for your love for each of us. Lord, as we move forward may we Glorify you. You have hand made us to be your children. Forgive us when we stray, redirect us to accomplish your plans for our lives. Protect us from the coronavirus and the collateral damage it can cause to our jobs, finances, relationships, and families. Thank you for those that are out working to keep us going. Be with the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, truck drivers, store and restaurant workers, mail carriers. For those assisting at hospice, nursing homes, and for those with special needs. Lord nudge each of us to reach out to 5 people today…to assist where needed, to offer Hope and comfort, to share your Love with them. Lord give our leaders wisdom and compassion. Use your church (the people of God) to bring your Love, Joy, and Peace to a world that is hurting. Amen.