“Buy the truth, and sell it not…”
(Proverbs 23:23)
Many times we shun the truth, especially about ourselves, because the mindset of many is that the ‘truth hurts.’ Our minds must be renewed so that we can experience the benefits of truth. When we come to know, understand and be intimate with the truth, the result is liberty and deliverance (John 8:32). So, what is truth? John 17:17 says, “thy word is truth.” In this intercessory prayer, Jesus prays to His Father to cleanse and purify us through the ‘unveiled reality’ or revelation of His Word.
Why do we think the truth hurts? The word comes to clearly ‘teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right’ (II Timothy 3:16, NLT). Many times this is painful because “You may believe you are doing right, but the LORD judges your reasons” (Proverbs 21:2, NCV). The double-edged sword of the word pierces the outward façade and finds the very intent and motives of the heart. The truth hurts because the truth exposes the gap between what God has called us to be and where we actually are. Hence, we get the infamous line, “You can’t handle the truth!” Why? Because not only must we be willing to agree with God, but also be ready to pay the price to obey the truth that has the power to transform us into the image of the son of God.
To be truly set free and delivered so that we can experience the life of God (ZOE), we must acquire and posess the truth of God’s word. The writer of Proverbs exhorts us to ‘buy’ truth and not forsake it. We should seek out the truth and ‘esteem and treasure the words of His mouth more than necessary food’ (Job 23:12). The acquisition of truth cannot be a mere mental assent but a heartfelt realization. It is the revelation and experience of truth that brings transformation and the fullness of joy.
Without fail, we must make it our occupation to understand and know the truth of God’s word. We must gaze into the perfect law of liberty to see what we should be like and then be doers of the word (James 1:25).
Buy truth and hold tightly to it. It will heal, deliver and empower you to be all that God has ordained you to be from the foundation of the earth. Don’t sell or relinquish truth. It is a most precious commodity.
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2 comments:
Praising God for this anointed and powerful word. What a privilege it is to be challenged to embrace the "truth" ... because in so doing, we embrace Him. If we can just lay down our desires and dress ourselves in His desires and feel the warmth of every revelation. In our "asking time" can we just bless Him and seek wisdom and understanding that prepares us for His intended use ... to heal the broken; encourage the downtrodden; comfort the misused and abused; reflect the "light" for those in darkness; empower the powerless and point everyone (no matter their status in life) to the only "truth" and the only "way". Take heed to this word...savor it and grab hold of it so that it (the truth) can be replicated over and over. Now shout!
Sis Debbie
What a blessing to hear truth. What is more important is our response of our heart when truth is presented. Truth must be applied to our daily lives. We must live and work it out every day. It is so easy to see the truth about someone else but how we respond when God shows us truth about us, our attitides, and motives is of the ultimate importance. My prayer has become, Lord, help me to hold to truth that it may change my life and God be glorified.
Zoe ministries, your new look is awesome! Be encouraged and continue to share the manna!
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