The world has customized “truth” to fit its iniquitous lifestyles; whatever feels good, seems right, brings pleasure, or any jam-freeing fabrication is acceptable these days. Nevertheless, God warns His followers to keep the belt of His Truth wrapped tightly around their waist. We are in spiritual warfare, and functioning in the Truth is part of His armor (see Ephesians 6:10-17).
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. (v.14, NIV)
Too many are tightening the wrong belts.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Unfortunately, sometimes followers aren’t aware they have conformed to the world; therefore, they have tightened the wrong belt. Some conformities come from having a complacent attitude towards spiritual matters; sometimes, conformism can also result from misquoting and taking out of context God’s Word for generations.
While in prison, the apostle Paul writes a letter to Timothy, an elder of the church at Ephesus, to stay encouraged during challenging times, hold fast to the doctrine, and reject and correct wrong teachings.
The advice Paul gave to Timothy is what we are to remember and take to heart. But we can’t differentiate God’s Truth from “truths” if we don’t read and study the Word for ourselves. I can’t overemphasize studying the Word for yourself; for when we do, we’ll better recognize misinterpretations. Also, when we don’t know the Truth, we miss out on the power it renders. For instance, knowing the Word of God keeps us from:
- wrapping ourselves in falsehoods,
- being incompletely armed for battle,
- being spiritually deaf,
- staying spiritually underdeveloped.
If you find understanding the Bible difficult, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a translation that you can comprehend. If you prefer listening, there are audio versions you might find enlightening.
The format we choose isn’t essential; receiving the knowledge of the Word is what’s important so that we won’t tighten the wrong belt.
© 2022
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.