Reflections: Staying grounded in truth

In the Bible, the writer of Ecclesiastes says there is “nothing new under the sun” (1:9, NIV). That seems to be especially true regarding the enemy’s tactic of separating people from God’s love and his best for them by first separating them from His Word. 

That tactic was first used by Satan, disguised as a serpent, as he twisted God’s instructions when asking Eve about the fruit she and Adam were not supposed to eat. Then he cast doubt—“You will not surely die!” (Genesis 3:4, NIV), to convince Eve that, in addition to tasty food, God was withholding valuable information. Satan successfully persuaded Eve—and apparently also Adam, who was there and didn’t intervene—that God’s instructions were not sufficient for their sustenance and, more importantly, their relationship with Him.  

That has continued to be the enemy’s modus operandi over the centuries, as philosophies have arisen attempting to counter the truth of God’s Word. It’s still his main method today, with help from social media influencers who cherry-pick verses and passages in an attempt to “prove” God is not who He says He is and cast doubt on his love and character. 

I won’t go into the numbers of those people who, when questioned, admit they have not actually read the entire Bible, let alone seriously studied it with a heart open to the Holy Spirit. Some appear to have been in relationship with God at one point, but been derailed by culture; a recent example might be the bishop who spoke at the Presidential inauguration. At some point, she must have felt called to serve God through pastoral ministry, but her remarks, along with further reading about her views, reveal some serious departures from what the Bible clearly states. 

Jesus had some things to say about listening to God’s words and obeying them; New Testament writers Matthew and Luke recount Jesus’ example of a firm foundation, necessary to withstand life’s storms or the surrounding culture. Jesus knew this would not be easy, and told his followers that after He was no longer physically present, they would have the Holy Spirit to guide them “into all truth” (John 14:17, 16:13) as they applied his teaching. 

Jesus also stated that “every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven” (Matt. 12:31, NIV). Growing up as a Pentecostal kid, I lived in fear of the “unpardonable sin,” being very careful not to accidentally say anything that might imply that I didn’t believe in the Holy Spirit. Thanks to great parents and pastors, along with my own Bible study as I grew older, I learned to see that statement in better context: Emphasizing the importance of seeking God, staying grounded in the Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts, actions, and yes, my words. On the other hand, habitually squelching the Holy Spirit’s prompting can open the door to thoughts and actions that no longer reflect what God has said, and the Spirit no longer guiding us to God’s will. The Apostle Paul knew this concept when he wrote to the Thessalonian church, “Don’t quench the Spirit” (5:19). 

In a world of loud, clamoring voices, I pray I don’t fall for Satan’s age-old tactic of separating people from God’s Word.