WR – Page 70 – Native North Americans Following Jesus Christ Without Reservation

Truth has fallen on hard times lately, especially among followers of Jesus. Seems like it’s everywhere and nowhere at the same time, which of course can’t be true. There’s certainly a lot to choose from. Have you noticed what’s on the menu these days? It’s whatever you’ve got a taste for served up buffet style. Just go through the line and pick what you want. Never-mind what’s good for you. Just enjoy yourself and be sure to leave a tip.

Sadly, there is a severe health risk for those who approach their spiritual intake this way. You know what they
say, “You are what you eat”. We’re suffering from spiritual malnutrition as never before and we’re getting weaker by the meal. Yet, we are loyal to our appetites and we’ll do whatever it takes to satisfy them.

Ever thought about where all this “truth” is coming from? Why are so many fashioning God in their own image and justifying what they do based on how they feel? Why are so many eagerly accepting what they’re served, and blindly following the dynamic leaders and voices of our day? What ever happened to truth? Well, to be honest, there doesn’t seem much appetite for it. Actually, it’s really no surprise if you’ve read Paul’s second letter to Timothy. He warned that there would be days like these, and tells us why. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Tim 4:3-4 NKJV)

Paul clearly says that a time would come when people’s own desires will lead them away. Away from what? The truth. Do you understand what he is saying about these folks? They are not interested in truth. They are interested in satisfying their own sinful appetites. And so they will surround themselves with teachers who will give them what they really want. Well, it’s pretty clear that Paul’s words have come true.

These can be confusing days for those who long for a deeper walk with God. Even for the sincerest of followers it’s not hard to be led astray. With so many voices out there, how do we know what is right? For those of us on that journey this is an important question. The reality is that there is only one answer: God’s perspective is the one we must embrace. We must test what we hear with what God has said. Sometimes that takes hard work, but it’s crucial that we base our faith and its expressions on His version of truth. His way is right, and when we prefer it over our own, this leads us to the authentic, intimate relationship that we long for. Jesus told His disciples, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” (John 14:21 NKJV)

We are on a quest for truth. As we continue to work out our salvation our aim is to shine the light of God’s Word on important matters that touch us all. Our hearts’ desire is to find out what pleases the Lord and then do it. We are interested in knowing and responding to our God on His terms, even when it may seem unreasonable or run contrary to ours.

So what do you have an appetite for? If you’re craving an authentic relationship with your Creator, if you have a desire to discover His design for you, or if you’re simply discontent with where you are in your journey – you’re welcome to join us. Oh, and be prepared to go against the flow. Such is the life of anyone who will choose to follow Jesus Christ without reservation.