Truth, Whole Truth, Nothing But.....

And we have seen and do testify that
the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world.
I John 4:14

Several years ago, a young lady called me from CPS saying I needed to be in court the next week. She and I shared a foster child on our caseloads and she felt I might be needed to testify in. Telling me something like that is like pouring ice water down my back. I told her I would rather she did it instead of me, but she felt I knew the case better than she did. I've seen those court programs on TV. I've observed how lawyers and even a judge can make a witness's life miserable, but agreed to show up. Fortunately I wasn't needed to testify that day so all my loss of sleep for a week was for nothing.

When just a kid in my home church, it wasn't unusual to have a testimony time. I can recall people raising their hands to say, “I'd like to testify” and usually a woman, would tell what the Lord had done for her that week or would relay a big answer to prayer. That's something that isn't done much in churches any more that was such a blessing back then. I didn't think I could ever do that because I would have to talk in front of people and never wanted to do that in my life.

We've been in our new church a little over a year now. It's always so difficult finding one's way around and getting to know people. Having a social work background, I always have a tendency to sit and just observe people for a time. Right away, one lady I noticed sat in most of the services on a front row with a gentleman I came to know was an associate pastor. I watched her for a time as she smiled, greeted folks and often went to the alter to pray with ladies who went forward to pray. I remember thinking, “I sure would love to have her friendship some day.” Well, it didn't take long until Sandie and I became good friends. I made other friends as well, but because of where we sat in church, she was the one near enough for me to watch. Sandie's testimony was different from the other two I have mentioned. Her's was an unspoken one, but worth hundreds of words as I observed her.

We may be called on to give a testimony in a court room. In that place, we are asked to give a formal statement of proof of truth. It could be we witnessed an event, heard a conversation or saw something of importance needed in a court hearing. Testifying orally in church or some other setting of what the Lord means in our lives also requires truth. We must be honest in our reports of God's goodness and not speak words just to impress others. We also can't forget that as Christians, we all have a silent testimony that people witness when we have no idea we are being watched.

We are living in a day where people are starved for truth. We have lies on every side to the point that it's hard what to believe anymore. Politicians tells us what they think will bring in votes even if their promises are full of lies. Some people go fearlessly into court to testify knowing they are going to lie on the stand, running the risk of perjury charges if found out. In some cases, children learn by example from parents that lying is okay. I spoke to a Christian school principal one day and asked him what his greatest problem was in the school at that time. He simply said, “Lying children.” Lying children grow up to be lying adults if that sin isn't recognized and the problem taken to the Lord for help with some resolution.

There are some things having to do with truth we can count on and they are easily found in the Word of God. I am thinking of some phrases from Scripture I often think back to, such as:

*”I will guide you with My eye.”
*”I will never leave you or forsake you.”
*”Call unto Me and I will answer you...”
*”The God of love shall be with you...”
*”The joy of the Lord is your strength...”
*”He giveth more grace...”
*”The grace of God is eternal life...”

Those are just some phrases I ponder from time to time. Sorry I didn't look up their addresses, but it's just in phrase form that these words of truth along with others sink into my spirit so often knowing that those things will never change.

We must not allow the lies of the world to spill over into spiritual truth and allow it to cause us to doubt the things of God. When God says something, it will never change or waver. Everything in the Bible is a testimony of the fact that God is the author and sustainer of the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.

Thank you, Jesus, that You have assured us that You are “the way, the truth and the life.” You are all that wrapped up in one person and we can base our very beings on the promise of Your words. Thank You for such a sweet assurance of truth. In Your precious name....Amen