Dwight Fletcher | The freedom truth gives

Over the past four weeks, we have begun the war for absolute truth. In today’s world, having “your truth and my truth” has become so attractive but it is actually deadly. Only God’s unchanging truth is a foundation strong enough to build our lives upon. But, if we’re honest, we sometimes resist the truth. Whether it is the desire to fit in, justify our actions or avoid accountability, we can all be tempted to choose what is comfortable over what is right.

So, I want to remind you of the freedom we receive when we choose to live by God’s standard. It might not always be easy, but my prayer is that you will be encouraged to choose truth, no matter the consequences.

The truth of God is not designed to make our lives miserable. It is something we desperately need, and here’s why.

1. Truth saves us

We all need saving. Sin separates us from God, and no amount of good intentions or personal effort can restore that relationship. But God, in His love, made a way for us through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:13 tells us that, when we hear and believe the message of truth, the gospel of our salvation, we are included in Christ and sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

We are not saved by creating our own version of truth or deciding that our actions are acceptable. We are saved by believing and responding to what God has revealed through Jesus Christ.

2. Truth sets us free

Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NIV). We often think freedom means being able to do whatever we want. But that leaves us trapped by dishonesty, unforgiveness, unhealthy relationships, destructive habits and the constant need for approval. Freedom is knowing and obeying Jesus’ teaching.

God’s truth exposes what is holding us captive and shows us how to walk in freedom. The more we know and practise His Word, the better equipped we become to resist sin and make choices that lead to life.

3. Truth equips us to help others

Knowing the truth is not only about our personal relationship with God. We are also called to share it. In 1 Timothy 2:4, Paul says that God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. That means our faith should not remain private.

God has placed you in particular environments to make a difference. It is the truth of God that will transform your community, workplace, family and other areas of life.

We must know what we believe and why we believe it. We must also be willing to listen, answer questions, and treat people with dignity, even when they disagree with us.

Our responsibility is not to force people into agreement. It is to faithfully represent Christ and help others see the truth of His Word.

4. Truth protects us from deception

We are constantly exposed to ideas, opinions and philosophies that compete for our attention and can bring destruction. So, we cannot afford to be careless about what we believe.

As 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) warns, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Read the Bible. Study it. Memorise it. Learn how to apply it to your everyday decisions. The more familiar you become with God’s Word, the better equipped you are to recognise what contradicts it.

Remember that the war for truth is mainly about what is happening within us. So, start by asking God to show you where your thinking needs to change and where you need the courage to obey Him. And let’s wage war for truth