Freedom #8—Freeing Truth

Jesus said, “If you continue in my teaching, you are truly disciples of mine; and you will know the truth; and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32

At an early age our parents taught us about the nature of gravity. Youthful experiments designed to test the reliability of these lessons reaffirmed this truth, sometimes quite painfully. As disciples of those who made this aspect of reality coherently clear to us, we continue to order our lives in accord with this certainty. Understanding this truth frees us in that we can make choices that do not cause us injury; rather, we have the ability to act fearlessly as we walk down the street, throw a ball in the field, or leap in celebration. Jesus’ encouragement about the gravity of his teaching is more helpful than what our parents taught us about how apples fall from trees. For Jesus’ teaching can free us from our slavery to sin. His teaching is a light on our path that will free us from the rut we were in before we became his disciple. If we consistently order our lives according to his paradigm, we will never be cut off from access to all of God’s resources. So as his disciples we will continually be able to act with more proficiency and courage as the reality of God’s grace opens before us; and we will experience the freedom of eternal satisfaction as the fullness of his glory unfolds through the ages. Jesus’ teaching frees us, because it educates us in the truth about the grave enormity of God.

Almighty God, may the attractive power of your greatness keep me upright and fearless as I faithfully follow the truth-filled teaching of Christ.