As I stated yesterday: If no truth, nothing matters. If is truth, something matters. What’s our connection? What marks our choice? What is the basis of our choice?
Sometimes options are placed before us with the offeror asking, “What’s your pleasure?” Perhaps it is a choice of food menu options. Or maybe it is a choice between two activities. Which do we desire? Which would we prefer? When we consider how life can be somewhat of a smorgasbord of options, not everyone has the same appetite or likings.
In some areas of life, the choices may be between things which are equally fine. However, when it comes to life ideologies does our choice come down to personal preference or is it based on what the truth of God has revealed is truly best? God’s Word is not intended to be a smorgasbord from which we select only what we want, but must be acknowledged as the full-meal deal God has provided for a healthy life both physically and spiritually. In light of the choice being ours to make, to what is our choice leading?
From Paul’s letter to the church at Thessalonica we read. . .
“(9) The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, (10) and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. (11) Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, (12) in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ESV)
Part of the awfulness of the refusal to love the truth is that when such is one’s disposition, though it is not His desire, God will allow that choice to be made! And just like Pharoah who himself initially hardened his heart (i.e. Exodus 7:13, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34-35) — with that being out of his own character — and eventually was hardened further by God (Exodus 9:12; 10:20, 27; 11:10), so it is when humanity is bent on continuing to go their own way they can find themselves in the dangerous position of being given over or up to it. (i.e. Romans 1:24, 26, & 28) Being deluded by one’s own desires, God may bring further delusion.
From Paul’s letter to Christians a Rome we read. . .
“(6) He will render to each one according to his works: (7) to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; (8) but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” (Romans 2:6-8 ESV)
What’s our pleasure? Unrighteousness, like those who refuse to love the truth and be saved? Are we self-seeking and so refuse to obey the truth. Or are we seeking God and His righteousness and therefore finding pleasure in following His guidance leading to the eternal salvation He provides? May our love for the truth grow more and more so that rather than being deluded, we are continually drawn to living it to the glory and honor of God!
Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE PLEASURE OF LIVING PLEASING TO GOD!
Carl
