THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF TRUTH

" . . . If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)

Devotion 17 of 20

A PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATION

The following illustrates the interrelationships of truth -- how it all works together. Effective relationships in the natural world are mere mirrors or greater and more effective relationships in the spiritual world.

An automobile consists of a number of components: i.e., body, motor, transmission, tires, radiator, interior, electrical components, etc. Each of these components is comprised of another level of parts. A motor has pistons, valves, rods, etc. A tire has a rim, inflatable part, stem, etc. Even the second level of parts have components: i.e., a piston has a head, an arm, bushings, etc. BUT THE AUTOMOBILE ITSELF IS THE POINT, not the components! Without the whole, the parts have no real significance. It would be out of order, for instance, to call the motor, or tire, or valve, an "automobile." They are only parts of the whole--and the whole is the point!

An individual may become a specialist in the development and repair of automobile components -- but unless his work makes the automobile functional, they have no real value. The automobile is the real point! Speciality has no value unless it contributes to the functioning of the whole.

So it is with truth. Subjectively, the facets, or components, of truth are complementary, harmoniously working together for man's salvation. Objectively, they work together for the fulfilment of God's "eternal purpose." However if men are not saved, and do not become involved in God's purpose, their acquaintance with various aspects of the truth has been unprofitable.

Our objective is not merely to become a specialist in a aspects of salvation--i.e., the church, interpersonal relationships, recovery from specific sins, family life, etc. That may be conducive to the development of a religious career, but it does not necessarily fulfill the will of the Lord. As unpopular as it may appear in this pragmatic age, God is not developing human careers, but fulfilling a purpose conceived before the foundation of the world. Everything about truth works to that end, and no aspect of divine working is separate from it.

Simply stated, if men are not made ready for death, the end of the world, and eternal judgment, we have brought little or no benefit to them. The truth, however, will accomplish these things, sanctifying the people.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Christ, help me not to be distracted from Your purpose by a carnal view of Your truth.

-- TOMORROW: THE DETAILS OF LIVING --