True or false?
Isn’t it easy to fall into the trap of believing what you read and hear? But whether it’s an internet legend, a political sound bite, or gossip about someone, it’s always best to act on the truth. After all, who wants to play the fool for believing a lie?
But what about matters of right and wrong? Or the difference between what’s permissible and what’s really beneficial? Maybe you’ve felt like that cartoon showing the person with an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other, each trying to persuade the person to listen to them. It can be confusing, can’t it? Some things actually sound good but aren’t. Or they are good, but not best for us. How do we decide?
The author of 1 John 4 tells us: Test the Spirits.
That may sound weird if you are well in tune with your physical body and surrounding and environment but haven’t given much consideration to spiritual matters. But if we hold the bible to be true, we need to accept that, pay attention or not, the world we live in is both physical and spiritual. And just as we can fact check a certain political sound bite or internet claim so we can have understanding of the spirits that seek to influence our lives.
The test? The bible says it is only good and true if it agrees with Jesus as the Son of God, Lord of Lords. God cannot contradict himself, so what is good and pure will always agree with what him who is always good and pure, the author of truth itself. Should you believe him? It’s your choice, but as one of the hospital staff recently said,
“I’d rather believe God and find out I was wrong than not believe him and find out he was right!”
Some people think we are all God’s children. God truth says, whoever believes in his Son Jesus is his child, and therefore an overcomer of life, a victor. We might think it’s not true because, if we’re honest sometimes we feel defeated and there’s no hope for us to be happier than we are. But God’s truth says “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Can you believe it?
The lie says we can’t know God. God’s truth tells us we have anytime access to the God of the universe who knows us, listens to us, and speaks truth to us through his Spirit. Can you believe it?
The lie says get ahead, get even, live a comfortable life. God’s truth says, “Love one another,” because love comes from God. Whoever loves with God’s love knows God because he is love. Whoever doesn’t love, doesn’t know God. Can you believe it?
The lie says you are a good person. God’s truth says we all fall short. But he loved you enough to send his Son to make it right with him. Can you believe it?
The lie says you are condemned to doubt, fear, anxiety, and shame. God’s truth says, “You are my beloved child. I give you peace.” Do you really believe it?
The lie says you can’t know God; he is far away. God’s truth says if we love one another with his abiding love, he is revealed in that very love. Can you believe it?
The lie says you can’t be good enough. God’s truth agrees but offers a solution; he gives his very Spirit to abide in you so you can live in him. Can you believe it?
The lie says you can be strong enough on your own. God’s truth says we are strongest when we are weak and learn to rely on his love for all things. Can you believe it?
The lie says it’s your right to hold a grudge. God’s truth says if we say we love God but hold grudges and judge others we’re the liars. If we can’t love those we do see, how can we love God who we don’t see? Can you believe it?
God is love. It’s what draws us to him. It’s the only thing that drives out all fear and calms our soul when the storms surround us. Can you believe it? If so, you can turn all your worries over to him and experience his love and peace.
True or false? It’s a question we answer hundreds of times each day by what beliefs guide our thoughts and actions.
(Reflections on 1 John 4)