Buy Truth And Sell It Not

What you believe really does matter!  Many Christians don't really appreciate that statement nor do they really understand the importance of following the truth, but the truth matters!  You might have heard someone say "It's not doctrine that is important, but the way one lives that counts" or "It doesn't matter what one believes so long as they are sincere."  Such statements are foolishness, because someone can be sincere and yet be sincerely wrong!  The Bible clearly states that it does make a difference what one believes and teaches.  Here are three principles we must follow when it comes to the truth:

1.  We Are To Love The Truth

Whenever we possess the characteristics of a true Christian, we will have a strong love for what is true!  Jesus prayed for his disciples and said "sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth."  Truth can only be found in the Word of God.  Because God's Word is truth, it should be the desire of every Christian to give diligent study to the Bible so we can "rightly divide the Word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).  It is this love of the truth that is necessary for our salvation.  God wants all to have this love so that they might come to know and understand His will and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).

2.  We Are To Uphold The Truth

If we love the truth we will not only be willing to live in harmony with it, but we will uphold and defend it.  The Apostle Paul repeatedly admonishes us to strive to uphold and maintain the truth (2 Timothy 1:13).  Paul told Timothy to "charge men to teach no other doctrine" (1 Timothy 1:3-4).  He also commanded Titus to sharply rebuke those who gave heed to commandments of men which turn from the truth (Titus 1:13-14).  According to James 5:19-20, some of the uses of God's Word includes to reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and teaching to turn people to the truth.

3.  We Are To Reject That Which Is Not Truth

Paul told Timothy that "error" will eat as a "canker" or "gangrene,"  Those who say it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you live right are absolutely mistaken.  It is sad to say, but even the church is moving farther and farther away from teaching the truth.  It is only the truth of God's Word that has the ability to set us free.  If you want to be free, you must believe and follow the Truth!

What do you believe?  What truth are you following?  If it isn't based on the Word of God, be careful, because it may be based on error and it will eat at you like a canker!