Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth. John 17:17, AMP

Some people play church. Their brand of Christianity is cultural, socially acceptable—but not a level of commitment to Christ that invites criticism or an uncomfortable life change. Like an imaginary game they may play with a child, they pretend to be serious with their faith—but they are only posers. Their Sunday religious ruse is a form of godliness. It is temporary, an empty routine. Bible reading, prayer and worship evaporate the other six days of the week. To not take the Almighty seriously is a serious mistake. A flippant faith is a false religion for fools.

Jesus describes the process of how a Christian grows in understanding of their heavenly Father and His plan for their life. A child of God is set apart for His purposes to make them holy—and in Christ they are His holy people. The common theme in Christ’s words is truth—the truth found in God’s word and the truth to transform the human heart. And because Jesus is the Truth and Jesus is the Word—to know and love Jesus is to know and love the truth. Authentic Christianity takes the Lord seriously by learning His truth and submitting to its transforming work of grace.

“For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. For the Law was given through Moses, but grace [the unearned, undeserved favor of God] and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-18, AMP).

Let’s take a truth test and expose common misconceptions about Christianity. True or False: Being a follower of Jesus solves all our problems and makes us prosperous. False. Sometimes the godly are persecuted for their faith and suffer material loss. True or False: Christians do not believe they are morally superior to non-Christians. True. Those who walk with Christ aspire to a high ethical standard, but confess their struggle with sin and seek forgiveness. True or False: The Christian life is predictable. False. A life of faith is a great adventure with joyful discoveries!

How do you grow in your understanding and application of truth? Remain a humble student of Scripture and you will daily uncover ways to walk closer to Christ. When you stop learning from the Lord—you stop growing in the Lord. Secondly, admit your struggles—in fact, embrace your weaknesses as an opportunity to depend on God and people. The deeper your relationship with Jesus, the broader your influence for Jesus. You take God seriously enough when you take His Son seriously. Start with salvation, and continue in a lifetime of growing in grace—all by faith!

“Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God.” (1 Peter 2:5, MSG).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me take You very seriously, but not take myself too seriously.

Application: How can I better understand the Bible and apply transforming truth to my life?

Related Readings: Psalm 19:9; Proverbs 1:7; John 6:40; Acts 9:31; 2 Corinthians 5:11

Home