Whatever is True . . .

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” —Philippians 4:8

What are we encouraged to think about?

Things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. That’s not easy, especially in these days of war—but necessary if we are to come close to the exhortation given just four verses prior: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

So how do we do that? Is it any wonder that Paul begins this list with “whatever is true”? If we are ever going to stand a chance of rejoicing in the Lord, we are going to have to come to terms with what is ultimately true. But truth is something, I believe, that we all struggle with at times. I am reminded of the movie, A Few Good Men, where Jack Nicholson, playing a Marine, shouts, “You can’t handle the truth!!” And Pilate, as Jesus is standing before him, dares to ask the question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) Understanding what is true and acting on what is true—about myself, others, circumstances, and God—requires maturity and courage, but leads to peace. The opposite is to live in a state of denial, passivity, or laziness. . . all of which lead to trouble.

How do we even begin to think on things that are true? Consider this—a soldier prepares and is protected in battle by his “armor”, or gear specifically designed for the mission. This is to provide as much safety as possible for our service members, whether on air, land, or sea. There is “armor” specifically designed for a Christian as well, as described in Ephesians 6:10-17. The first piece of armor for the soldier of Christ, in Ephesians 6:14, is the “belt of truth.” Dr. James MacDonald, in his teaching entitled “In It to Win It” identifies four times that are the “toughest truth times” for which we need to put on the “belt of truth”:

• Truth about personal responsibility. Here are some questions to ask: “Am I
  taking responsibility for the situation I am in, or am I blaming someone else?”

• Truth about my motives. “Why do I really do what I do? Is it about Christ, or about me?”

• Truth about my future. “I know that I am going to die someday. Am I ready to stand before God?”

• Truth about my relationship with God. “Have I come to terms with my sin
  nature and realized that forgiveness is only possible through Christ?”

Before deploying, have you come to terms with the truth? Here are questions to ask (which coincide with Dr. MacDonald’s list) for which you need to put on the belt of truth if you are going to win in the battle of your thought-life:

1. Am I taking responsibility and making appropriate mission plans for this time while I am separated from my spouse? Are my expectations in line with reality? Do I have a proper perspective, in light of eternity, that this time of deployment will not last forever? Am I being careful to recognize when I am believing my “feelings” instead of what I know to be true?

2. Am I putting others’ needs (my spouse, my family) ahead of my own, or am I thinking only of myself?

3. Am I living in denial of the challenges and threats of this deployment? Am I also open to the lessons that God has to teach me and blessings that He has to give me in this season of my life?

4. Do I truly realize that my only hope is in the saving power of Jesus Christ?

It is only if you are willing to understand and accept the truth—that God loves you and has a plan for your life (John 3:16); that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23); that Jesus is the only provision for redemption (Romans 5:8); and that you can ask and receive Jesus by faith (Romans 10:9-10)—that you can receive the gift of eternal life in heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9). Want to know more? Read the devotional posted on Oct 4, “Keep on Praying.”

Living in denial about any truth can be deadly. Not coming face-to-face with responsibilities and consequences can lead to isolation in marriages and careers. Living in truth produces freedom and life as we grow in knowledge and wisdom.

And where can we find truth? In His word—the Bible. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in scripture and filled with verses which commend the truth of God’s word. “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” (Psalm 119:160) And scripture teaches that it is the Holy Spirit who guides us to truth, “But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13). Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you to know truth.

And Who is truth? Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) The beginning of John’s gospel also says, “The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Jesus Christ is the Truth. Don’t leave home without Him.

Questions to share:

1. What are two things that you think are positive and true about your relationship with your spouse?

2. What difference can the truth about Jesus make in your life? in your marriage?