“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). But to whom did Jesus say that? Read the previous verse. It was to those who continued in His word or teachings, yes, those who daily, continuously did what Jesus said we are to do and who refrain from doing anything Jesus said we are not to do. Many think all one has to do to attain true spiritual knowledge is read the Bible. Well, Roman Catholics do that, so do Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Amish folk! Why haven’t they attained to true spiritual knowledge and come to see things eye-to-eye?
There is a very revealing statement the prophet Daniel makes in his prayer to God on behalf of Israel. He says, “As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us, yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, THAT WE MIGHT TURN FROM OUR INIQUITIES, AND UNDERSTAND THY TRUTH” (See Daniel 9:13). And there lies the reason so many embrace spiritual error and are never able to free themselves up from falsehood. They allow sin in their life, even being assured by their spiritual guides and leaders that such is the human condition. We must ever sin. No one can truly stop sinning, they say. And this, of course, locks them in to error.
Of Daniel and his three companions, it is written, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom” (See Daniel 1:17), for “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (See verse 8, same chapter). Such could be said of his three companions.
The Psalmist David wrote: “I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.” (See Psalm 17:3). That’s how one gains control over ungodly speech. They merely purpose in their heart that they will not do that. One maintains control over even the slightest urge to steal or give in to some sexual sin by setting their will fixed on righteous conduct and saying, “I will not go there. Not now, not ever!” Again, “My heart is fixed” (See Psalm 57:7). Folks, stubbornness can work as well for righteousness as for iniquity.
I remember a short poem I learned in my youth: “Today I shall be strong;
No more shall yield to wrong;
Shall squander life no more.
Days lost, I know not how,
I shall retrieve them now.
Now I shall keep the vow
I never kept before.”
It was only in recent years I made that poem my mantra. And it has made all the difference in the world.
“He (God) reveals the deep and secret things” (See Daniel 2:22). But God does not share such with rebels or the unclean. Truth and understanding are laid up for the righteous and those with a truly open mind. Truth is the pearl of great price. It costs something to obtain it. Most are not willing or are unable to pay that price.
Of truth it can be said of what has been said of God also: “You shall seek me, and you shall find me when you shall search for me with all your heart, and I will be found of you” (See Jeremiah 29:13). Most throw in the towel early on in their search. I myself did that for many years. And I paid a heavy price. Now I reap the richest rewards.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley