Truth that frees

John 16 : 5 - 15

...the Spirit of truth....will guide you into all the truth....

What kind of "truth" do we look for as Christians? Reading this passage as a new believer and reading it for the thirtieth time would naturally bring different insights and invitations. I tried to listen with an open heart. The thought that came was "the truth sets you free". Indeed the need for "freedom" is always crucial, whatever your 'age' as a Christian. As new believer I might have revelled in the new found "truth" that I had left all my sins at the foot of the Cross. There would be a sense of relief at being freed from the burden of sin. But now, the "truth" I need to appropriate is more subtle. Even after many years, the refining process continues and new areas that need 'free-ing" are opened up (when I am courageous enough to face my false self) to the Lord. God's "truth" which the Spirit guides me into now does its work in those parts of me where there is still a chasm between what I believe and what I do in reality. This journey towards greater and greater freedom is the one that the psalmist writes about, "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage......"

Still unwell with the most uncomfortable common cold. In my review today, I noticed the beginnings of feeling sorry for myself. The root of it is impatience, with wanting to get on with certain tasks; not accepting where I am now. It is amazing how the review when prayed with openness reveals some subtle inner motivations that often lie hidden, or rationalized. Indeed, the truth sets free.