April 20, 2018 – John 12
They would not
acknowledge their faith... for they loved human praise more than praise from
God. John 12:42-43
Standing for your
beliefs isn’t as important as standing for Truth ... Form values out of truth,
not popularity.
Local news has changed significantly over the years,
becoming more attracted to inspiration and interest than information. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as human
interest stories are often a pleasant break from discouraging and downright
depressing news. These days, you will
see stories of animal rescues, unexpected people making extraordinary effort,
and people standing up for their beliefs.
Maybe that is why parents, teachers and many others are supportive of
anything a person does that is ‘standing up for themselves’. It’s an important character quality to be
bold and courageous in standing for what you believe, and these days, a popular
story – even if the belief is misguided.
God encourages people to stand for their beliefs, but only
when the beliefs match His. Standing for
beliefs that don’t match what God teaches makes us in opposition to God. He is more interested in you standing for
Truth than just standing for beliefs.
That’s where many people will be surprised, even shocked,
when we stand before God in heaven someday.
We will be surprised that God doesn’t agree with our beliefs. We may even be shocked that our beliefs are
in direct opposition to God, and damaged our faith --- or worse, the faith of
those we love. My sense is that EVERYONE
will discover this … because God said we would:
“My thoughts are not your thoughts.
My ways are not your ways.”
Jesus was wary of entrusting himself to men, because their
beliefs were different than His. Jesus
believed in God’s Word, men preferred to be selective in believing God’s
Word. Jesus taught BOTH Judgment &
Mercy. Men taught mercy for themselves
and judgment for others. Jesus loved
lost people enough to die for them. Men
loved themselves too much to die for anyone lost. Jesus taught against the traditions (truths)
of men. Men taught traditions over God’s
Truth.
At the root of beliefs is either Truth or Popularity. Believing in something against God’s Word is
not about Truth, it’s about convenience, preference, comfort, popular opinion,
etc. Be CAREFUL! Truth always trumps opinion in the long run –
and there are consequences for rejecting truth.
Don’t form your values based on opinions or beliefs that are
not backed up with the Authority of Truth.
Seek the Truth of God before standing on a belief. You’ll find yourself standing a much more solid
foundation.
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