Saturday, October 13, 2007

Truth

I was told that when bank tellers are trained to recognize conterfeit money, they aren't shown examples of counterfeit as much as they are taught the details of genuine money. The theory is that if they are so familiar with the genuine bills, then the counterfeit bills won't fool them.

We live in a world in which we are surrounded by conterfeit beliefs. In the day and age of tolerance and moral relativism, there are times we can find ourselves confused.

How do we protect ourselves and our families from deception?

I think we need to learn a little from the bank tellers. If we focus our attention on learning what is genuine, then we won't be fooled by conterfeit statements. The only way to acheive this is to keep ourselves in the truth, the truth of His Word.

The more we study the truth of the Bible, the less likely our hearts will be swayed by falsehood. I am being convicted more and more of my need to be in His Word daily. Not only to read it, but to meditate on it and memorize it. This is the knowledge and wisdom that will protect myself and my family from lies.

"Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165

Knowing God's word and His laws will keep us from stumbling! I am reminded that when Jesus was tempted by Satan, He countered each of Satan's lies with the truth of God's word.

In Matthew 4:3-11 -

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Jesus only used the truth of God's word to defend himself.

How are you equipping your family with the truth of His Word?

~Mary

6 comments:

Susan said...

Wonderful basis of TRUTH here in your post, Mary.
Susan

Lori said...

Great post. I am also convicted more and more to be in his word daily.

... said...

well said, mary. sometimes we look at things from a perspective that we think is good - but is it truth? is it the genuine thing? is it from God?

Anonymous said...

You are right on the "money" with this one, Mary! We should not even have to stop and think, but know in our spirits what is truth and what is of the enemy.

Great words!

weavermom said...

hm... Our sermon at church this morning was on this theme of keeping our eyes focused on Jesus and we will become more like HIM (as opposed to focusing on the things of the world and "reacting".)

Maybe God's talking to me? :)

Great post - thanks for sharing.

Short Stop said...

You are SO right here I have recently been learning how important scripture memory is. I know how important it is to be in God's word, but had never really thought about the importance of memory much. It is amazing what I am able to recall when I need it in times of temptation or struggle as I've made memory a priority.

Great post. Thanks!