Walking in the TruthTruth! Can we know it? Is not Scripture based on interpretation? If our belief system is flawed due to faulty interpretation, then our walk will suffer a similar fate.by Jeffery K. Clarke"The unattended garden will soon be overrun with weeds; the heart that fails to cultivate truth and root out error will shortly be a theological wilderness" (A.W. Tozer).
Throughout the New Testament, walking is often used as a metaphor for the Christian life. Rightly applied, it conjures up important images and themes in defining the nature of Christian practice.
Absolute truth is needed—truth gleaned from a trusted source, truth that has been tested and found faithful … |
|
Perhaps the first image is that of a pilgrim, embarking on an exciting, yet largely unknown, journey. From this perspective, the Word speaks of progression and change, providing the arena for constant learning and growth. As a result, walking and living become corresponding terms. As we learn to walk, we live; and as we learn to live, our walk becomes more fulfilling and enjoyable. No term could be more fitting in describing the Christian experience.
Yet, the level of success lies in the details. Certain fundamental elements need consideration and implementation if the journey is to experience any level of satisfaction. Learning, gleaned from both formal and non-formal settings is paramount to the journey's overall success. However, not just any type of learning. A partial or inaccurate acquisition of knowledge can do more harm than good, leading the pilgrim into alien territory, exposing him or her to unnecessary dangerous situations. Absolute truth is needed—truth gleaned from a trusted source, truth that has been tested and found faithful in guiding its recipients safely through the varied traveling paths. Only this will provide the pilgrim with confidence that the path has been tested and found secure. This is walking in the truth.
The Christian should desire to walk in the truth. As we embark on our Christian pilgrimage, both individually and collectively often traveling through unfamiliar territory and encountering countless and potentially dangerous situations laying a foundation of truth is pivotal. Yet, not just any source of truth. The quality of truth will determine the most appropriate path from the plethora of available options.
God has given us His truth, revealed primarily in Scripture. Absolute truth is found in its pages and through many literary genres: Truth about the world and God's relationship to it. Truth about sin and its universal consequences. Truth about God's redeeming initiative to redeem fallen humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ. Truth about the gift of the Holy Spirit and His work in the church and the world. And, truth about God's ultimate plan to one day eradicate evil and bring all things under His care and dominion.
Truth has a practical dimension. To acquire truth, even biblical truth, simply for informational purposes, eliminates its ultimate reason. Truth is meant to be practiced. Without this practical focus, truth becomes mere knowledge—information which by itself is virtually useless. When truth is implemented, it becomes the focal point of our faith journey, guiding us securely through life's paths.
Consequently, truth flows into our lives. It guides us through all aspects of our spiritual journey, aiding in our quest for maturity and culminating in Christ-likeness. From this perspective doctrine and theology, sometimes viewed negatively, have an important purpose. Yet not just any theological construct. The quality of doctrine is determined by its faithfulness to Scripture, accurately interpreted and appropriately applied. The quality of our doctrine will determine the quality of our lives. Sound theology can lead to good life choices, whereas inaccurate theology leads to negative alternatives.
This is revealed on several fronts. First, it can be clearly seen in church practice. For example, if I believe in the theology of the health and wealth Gospel, my conduct within the church, in both teaching and practice, will reflect this belief. However, a careful study of Scripture shows that such a conviction is fueled by an inaccurate interpretation flowing naturally and progressively into my life and choices. These choices, then, inevitably lead me off course, placing me in a compromising position where I no longer mirror the Gospel of Jesus Christ, resulting in negative repercussions (see Galatians 1:6-9).
Second, it can be clearly seen in life in general. For example, if I believe that the union of same-sex arrangements is a legitimate expression of God's will for His creation, I will be lead into making choices that imitate such a belief. However, as we carefully study Scripture, utilizing the rules of biblical interpretation, we soon discover that such a belief is seriously flawed. Rather than reading what the biblical authors intended to teach, we read into Scripture our own culturally-conditioned views. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is compromised, and the decisions we make mirror this erroneous interpretation, affecting the integrity of our walk.
It is easy to see the vital importance of truth and how it impacts our journey. Whether we realize it or not, the quality of our Christian living is in large part determined by the quality of the theology we possess, and by how we apply these biblical teachings to the everyday fabric of our lives. Our walk is a direct reflection of our beliefs. And, if our belief system is flawed due to a faulty interpretation of Scripture, then our walk will suffer a similar fate. However, if we have carefully studied the biblical witness, paying attention to the rules and history of interpretation, we will then acquire a solid foundation of absolute truth, propelling us into the richness of a faithful walk before the Lord, a walk in His truth.
"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:16).
Jeff Clarke is the assistant pastor at Cumberland Christian Assembly, Hamilton, ON. He can be reached at jeff@ccahamilton.org.
Originally published in Good Tidings, July-August 2005.
Used with permission of the author. Copyright © 2005 Christianity.ca.