Discernment and Truth

If you want to have a better understanding and appreciation for the things that are indeed truth about the Gospel, one sure way is to always look at the flip side of things. Here is a really good for instance: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28). The real beauty of this truth is that even the things that look like they are working out for our bad are actually going to work out for our good, if as the scripture says, we love God and allow him to work HIS purpose in our situation. If we can sink the teeth of our faith into that really deep, and understand that God IS purposing everything for our good, then we can patiently endure the trials of our faith and gain the benefit. On the other hand, for everyone who does NOT love God, and is determined to fulfill their OWN purposes; NOTHING is working for their good, including the things that look like they are going great. The wise proverb tells us, "Because to every purpose there is time and judgment" (Eccl. 8:6). What this means is that every situation we find ourselves in will have a time period in which it exists, and it will have a final outcome or result. So it's not what things appear to be that counts, but rather it's the way things end up that really matters. Whether or not things end up well for us in our circumstances will simply depend on whether we are faithful to God in all of the situations we find ourselves in. We may not know exactly what is going on or even what to do about it, but we do know to "keep [our] hearts with all diligence" (Prov. 4:23). When it's all said and done that is the love of God, meaning to keep the love of God at the center of our being, and let nothing dethrone it.

As far as results and final outcomes, there is one 'grand finale' which is the aim of all who profess faith in Jesus Christ; and that is the victory over death and the grave (I Cor. 15:51-55). That victory is the resurrection of the dead, the "one hope" of the Gospel (Eph. 4:4; Acts 23:6). The beloved apostle gave us specific instructions on how to end up on the right end of that result: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (I Jn. 3:2,3). If you're a frequent reader of these posts then you may notice that scripture being referenced quite often. Well, there's a really good reason for that, or actually a couple of them. One is as the apostle stated, that it is that practice that will enable us to be raised from the dead and glorified at the Lord's coming, or to be caught up alive to meet him likewise. The other reason is that in fact it is that very purifying of our hearts continually that alone will ensure that we end up on the right side of every situation that develops in our lives, regardless of how it looks, feels, or seems. After all, being dead looks pretty bad, but for those who die in pureness of heart and free from sin, it's going to turn out better than anything has turned out for anyone in the history of the world. So the solution to our biggest problem is also the solution to all of our problems. If we don't learn to apply that remedy to our life circumstances along the way, then we aren't going to apply it to the dilemma of death either. And that leaves me with one final thought: "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death" (Prov. 14:27). Amen.