Thoughts for Your Sabbath: Living by Truth

"But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." - John 3:19

It is clear with just an simple reading of Jesus' teachings that He liked to use the image of light in the darkness as metaphor for the good deeds of those who believe in Him. The contrast of this imagery immediately puts strong weight upon the actions of believers. This verse can easily be coupled with Matthew 5:9 where Jesus makes a very similar statement: "In the same way, let your light shine before man that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." This profound message does need to be taken lightly given the connection to our actions and the world's perception of God Himself.

"But whoever lives by truth..."

What Does this mean? It is interesting that truth, in this passage, is dichotomized by evil (verse 18). The typical dichotomy for evil is good, but not here. Jesus is striking the heart of the evil. In the Christian perspective, we must not be so shallow as to think that the counter point to evil deeds is good deeds. These are external manifestations of an internal quality found in our very souls. If man is evil and marred, only the truth found in the gospel can relieve our souls. This why we live by the truth. The truth is not merely ideas and evil not merely an action. The truth is the redeeming reality of a changing gospel that turns the marred soul of evil into a soul that is born again. The truth is the powerful force that sets our enslaved soul free, our continual test against the falsity of evil, and our steadfast guide to how we ought to live.

On this day that we remember our souls, let us be captivated to live by the truth (the gospel and commandments). The consequence of such a life is that it draws us near to God, and it draws others to God. Find time today to focus on the truth of the gospel and how it has made your life anew. This life, this fresh soul, is the source of all our good deeds. Loving God and neighbor might become a very easy thing to do once we allow the truth to become a motivation to live and not just mere facts.

Let us live by truth.