Our understanding of the truth, more often than not, is based on the beliefs and practices we learned when we are growing up. I've learned that sometimes it is good to question those beliefs and practices or understanding of truth from our point of view. Let's ask ourselves, how does this knowledge affect me? Is it a healthy way of thinking? Does it build relationships?
I would like to share a Biblical narrative from the life of Jesus where it illustrates this point. Please read Mark 12 before we continue.
Jesus was tested three times on that passage from three different groups of people - Pharisees, Sadducees, and Law. If you will think about it, these people are the best thinkers of their time, respected in their community, highly esteemed so to speak. But apparently, they don't have an understanding of the truth.
Jesus embodies the truth and knows exactly how to answer his critics. This is possible because of the two premises. First, he knows the heart of men (v. 15). Second, being the Creator and is from above, knows the reality of heaven (vv. 24, 25).
If you will observe, the religious critics and experts' characters are marked by hypocrisy and misinterpretation of Scripture, which undermines their authority. They have a superficial knowledge of the truth. At times, they may sound good and logical but the reality is they were not. Jesus' words are powerful to the point that it also amazes them (v. 17). Which helps us understand that truth, from God, is powerful. All truth, I believe, is from God.
Although they heard that Jesus' answer is wise, it didn't have any effect on their life (except for the teacher of the law, who accepted Jesus' teachings). That brings us to the conclusion that:
(1) Unless proven in fruit, deeds, automatic and natural responses that a person knows the truth, it is hard to tell that he really knows the truth. (James 2:26)
(2) Unless an action or an endeavor is motivated by love, it has no real value. (1 Corinthians 13:2)
The knowledge of the truth - understanding of the spiritual aspect of life, being wise - is the key component of the path to salvation. It goes to show that the man is not blind to the truth. In other words, God has enabled him to understand the truth (vv. 28 to 34). But knowledge of truth is a gift not everyone has, that is why some people such as the hypocrites in this passage are not affected by Jesus' words. Their hearts were hardened. They see but they don't understand.
The knowledge of truth influences behavior. It should build relationships. It should make an individual emotionally secure, calm, and peaceful.
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Author: Kristian B. Jayme, mIGNLP is a Certified NLP Practitioner by the International Guild of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. He is also a Certified NLP Master Practitioner by The Academy of Modern, Applied Psychology.
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