Chaos. Division. Selfishness. Oh, Father, these are running rampant. But is the situation any different now than at any other time since time began? No…just different points of interest and argument. Help us to hear Your voice despite all the noise about us. May we hear Your truth amongst all the clamor. Amen.
John 16:12-15 (<<click here to read the passage)
So, do you think you know it all? Do you think you know better than a lot of other people? Most of us in our initial reactions would probably say something like, “Of course, I don’t know it all!” But do our actions speak louder than our words?
Especially when it comes to our pride, many are quick to defend their thoughts or actions. Even when we are proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are in error, many of us are still hesitant to accept another point of view.
Maybe it’s our view of our current political climate. Maybe it’s our view of everything that has to do with COVID. Maybe it’s hard and fast mindsets about what we believe about God, the Church, and what we as His followers are called to be and do. Even at this moment, I would dare say that some have gone into a defensive mode just waiting for me to speak regarding a certain point of view. They are ready to pounce, expounding their point of view and why it is right and mine is wrong!
Put on the brakes for a moment. Let’s back up and think – not react…but think.
Verse 3 of today’s passage from the Amplified Bible states,

But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth].

Far too often we are lured down one particular line of thought. We are enticed. We are seduced even. Our interest is piqued and there may be a few questions, but we journey a little further down the line of thought…then a little further…and a little further. Our questions seem to be answered and whatever hesitations we have had no longer exist.
But in the midst of this journey, have we taken any of it to the Spirit of Truth for verification? Or is it that once we are thoroughly convinced, we just assume that it is the truth because the Holy Spirit would have stopped us…right? Not so fast.
One point of concern is the importance of the time we spend with the Holy Spirit. Do we make a point of spending time in His presence on a regular basis, or do we feel that as we go along with the flow of life that His influence on our thoughts – and our actions – just sort of happens? Do we take time to sit and listen to Him? Do we deliberately bring our questions and with open hearts and minds listen to Him? Or is it just easier to come with our preconceived notions and believe that His silence is equal to His seal of approval?
If it is new information or information that has been passed down through the generations, we must be cautious. We need to ask, and we need to listen if we are to know all the truth [full and complete truth].
It’s sort of like cleaning house. Ofttimes, we begin to overflow with all kinds of things. We accumulate innumerable trinkets and baubles, and it seems too overwhelming a task to go through it all and question the legitimacy of having it at all. But it needs to be done…and not just in our homes but in our hearts and minds, as well. Lord Jesus, help us. Your will be done. Give us ears to listen and the courage to act! Amen!

Oct 5th, 2021, Tues, 6:56 pm