Dear Friend,
Today, we’re talking about something that may be uncomfortable.
The idea of “God-ordained Truth that all must obey or suffer judgment” doesn’t sound fun.
But the fact is that the Truth is also true for God Himself.
Maybe we can start there.
There is a difference between what Truth is and what seems true.
Discerning the difference is easy.
Truth Is Law
It cannot be disobeyed.
Like a stop sign.
A traffic sign painted red means there is danger to avoid:
“When you see a stop sign, come to a full and complete stop.”
No Exemptions
A law is a rule that is true for everyone.
“If a driver doesn’t stop at the stop sign, he/she risks having an accident.”
That’s such a drag.
What about when you are the only one at the intersection?
There is no visible risk of hitting another car.
It’s safe to disobey the stop sign and drive through without stopping.
No harm. No foul.
Law-Avoiding Citizen
Obeying the law doesn’t change with the circumstances.
“I don’t need to stop because there’s no one else there.”
In the same way, the law of Truth – which cannot be changed – is misinterpreted.
Not That Way
Misinterpreting Truth is incredibly and subtly dangerous.
“You can use your own discretion on whether or not to stop at the stop sign.”
Truth then becomes subjective.
“What is true for you doesn’t have to be true for me.”
Red and Yellow
When the Truth is misperceived, it will be mistaken for something else.
- A red traffic sign means you DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE.
- A yellow traffic sign means to exercise caution – your participation is required.
When a red-letter truth is misrepresented as yellow, the subtlest and most dangerous bending of the law occurs.
The Truth becomes divided.
Crossing the Line
The Truth now has two meanings.
“Any driver can choose not to stop at the red light.”
and
“It is safe for pedestrians to cross when the light is red.”
Braking Badly
Bending or breaking the law of Truth creates a deadly distortion.
The result:
“A pedestrian crossing the street was killed by a driver who ran a red light.”
In tragic circumstances, the Law of Truth is finally seen for what it is: Love.
DUI
When God revealed the Truth about sin, He spoke in love.
We know what that sin was – unbelief.
Romans 1:25-26 – “They traded the Truth of God for a lie. They worshipped and served what was created rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.”
And we know what sin caused.
Romans 6:23 – “For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Sin is a red-letter word.
But the Blood of Jesus is redder.
The Love in Law
God’s Truth isn’t about curtailing freedom but about protecting it.
“Push the button and wait to cross. Watch for vehicles.”
The crosswalk is the only legal place to cross, and it is for pedestrians only.
It creates a place where the Law (obedience) is Love (freedom, right, and privilege to walk in safety).
The Good of the Law
1 Timothy 1:5 – “The goal of instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.”
God’s Law of Loving Truth:
- It is seen in the precise parameters required for a universe that is pro-life.
- It works in the DNA of all living things to determine individual health.
- It defines every aspect of human health – mind, body, and heart.
- It communicates the standard for a healthy community, nation, and world.
Walk in Love
When you respect the Law of Love that gives equal rights of passage to drivers and pedestrians on this journey, you “walk in love.”
Both have freedom, protection and care within the law.
Romans 14:15 – “If your brother is being injured by what you eat (can choose to do), you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat (are free to do) cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died.”
Those you cross paths with will give you a first impression – good or bad. Choose to go a step further to see your fellow human being behind it all.
Then, do unto others by imitation.
Ephesians 5:1 – “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”
Walk in love with God.
“Children crossing the street must be accompanied by an adult.”
And that is the kind of love that makes the world go round.
