We get ourselves in trouble when our definition of right and wrong is based on something other than truth. If we try to make something "right" that is not truth, we do nothing more than deceive ourselves, and others, creating unexpected and disastrous consequences. Truth cannot be changed. We must surrender to it, embrace it, pursue it, seek it, but never try and change it to fit our opinion of "right." Truth is stronger than us, and making something socially acceptable or legal will not make it true. Getting a group of people to agree with us will not make it true either.
Error is whatever is not truth. Error can show up as:
- Deception. Which is when a person believes a lie--an un-truth. This person thinks they know the truth but really doesn't. However, a person still suffers the consequences of not following the truth, even if they are deceived. Eve was deceived (2 Corinthians 11:3) yet still suffered the devastating consequences of her actions--we all did. Not only does deception effect the life of the person who is deceived, but a person who is deceived will spread lies and not even know they are lying. They are spreading error without being aware of it.
- Rebellion. Which is a refusal to submit to the truth. This person may see the truth, even see that it is good. Yet doesn't want to accept it or live by it, and thinks he or she can get away with doing their own thing. They may be arrogant, thinking they can outsmart truth. They may be angry and not care what the consequences are. A person in rebellion will spread lies when they are intentionally trying to deceive others. One day it will all catch up with them.
Whichever kind of error we speak of, it could not exist without truth because if there was no truth, there could be no error. Truth is the standard for all things. Much like if there was no light, there would be no darkness. Darkness is defined as the absence of light, and error is defined as un-truth. The devil has not created anything new. He is a counterfeiter. He doesn't care if you are deceived or in rebellion, he just doesn't want you to know, believe, love or speak the truth.
Truth is an absolute that exists apart from the opinions of man. It is God, and when people try to establish a system of right and wrong that excludes truth (God) from the equation, it does nothing more than spread error, bringing chaos and confusion. It leads to death, where truth leads to life. We must make it our quest to seek the truth, love it and embrace it. We need to choose truth over sin. we need to choose truth over our desire to be "right." We need to submit our opinion of what is right to the truth--to God Himself.
"...that lawless one will be revealed...whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan...with all deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness." 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12
We can't afford to neglect seeking the truth. The price is too high! Ask the Lord to help you surrender your opinion of right and wrong to His truth. Ask Him to shine His light and expose areas of error in your heart, soul and mind.
See also John 14:16-17, John 17:17, John 8:32, 1 John 5:6, 1 John 4:1-5
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