As worshipers of God, we are set apart because of the knowledge bestowed upon us through the Holy Spirit. We are called to be ambassadors for a way of life that is foreign to our world. This understanding changes how we perceive reality, both physically and spiritually. Because of this gift we must become guardians of the Truth, withstanding the wiles of the devil through our commitment to the Truth.
Paramount to a Christian is the necessity to guard the Truth of God. Jude told a spiritually besieged church, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
Jude understood how precarious it was for the Church as Satan’s influence crept into and adulterated the Truth, “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).
Allowing this precious understanding to become tainted in any measure will lead us away from the Truth. Once we begin making concessions with the Truth, we will find ourselves walking down a path that is not easy to come back from. What was once fact too often becomes doubt when worldly reasoning takes root.
David understood the value of Godly wisdom, “How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? Selah. But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him” (Psalm 4:2-3).
Throughout the book of Psalms David wrote about Godly Truth and how important it was in separating himself from ungodly understanding. He also understood that the Truth would empower him with Godly wisdom, “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6). That same wisdom is available to each of us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The Truth will set us free (see John 8:32) but that by no means constitutes continued freedom without commitment on our part to remain unspoiled from worldly desires. Throughout the ages, many who once understood the plan of God lost it. The will of the self prevailed over the Will of God in the hearts of the individuals once called. Many found themselves walking down a path of destruction instead of life. Paul reflected on this throughout his ministry, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’ Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).
Destruction is the end for those who reject the Truth of God. Unless we are firmly grasping and seeking God’s Truth, we are subject to having it stolen away. Peter warned of this to the church, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed” (2 Peter 2:1-2).
It is important not to place ourselves into environments or engage with those bent on destroying the Word of God. While most wouldn’t state that as an intent, the end result of denying the Truth is still the same. Surrounding ourselves with godlessness will eventually break down our resistance. Lot did just this. It is true, of course, that God delivered righteous Lot when He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, as we read in 2 Peter 2:6-8: “… and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, [God] condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)…” However, Lot was so entwined with his own desires that “…while he lingered, the men [angels] took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city” (Genesis 19:16).
Becoming embroiled in meaningless pursuits (worldly arguments) will leave us spiritually empty and unable to confront evil. We read about this slumber that overtook the early church, “…of whom [Jesus Christ] we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (Hebrews 5:11-12).
Facing godlessness on a daily basis requires more than simply accepting the Truth in our lives–we must love the Truth and seek it (see 2 Thessalonians 2:10). Solomon understood this need, “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me” (Proverbs 8:32-34).
Confronting the godlessness that permeates this world is the reason we have been called. As lights, it is in fact our duty. We must always have the mindset to “…sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:15-17).
Having the ability to comprehend the Truth is what separates us from a world that has chosen to ignore God. It is a blessing that we must protect.
Lead Writer: Robb Harris
