whatever is true... think on these things.

in one of my posts a few days ago, i included a longish quote from the book i have finished reading called the shack. i have since become keenly aware of some critical controversies within the story that are causing me to consider it much more carefully than i was at first. (here is a link to a review that outlines several issues: http://www.insight.org/library/articles/review/the-shack.html). i regret that in the beginning i was not reading it critically and comparing the messages it contained against the infallible word of God, against His truth. i really wanted to like this book and i was sucked into the story. but i neglected one super important element in my reading. i didn't test it against God's word, at least not totally. which is dangerous and can lead to problems when those words that sounded awfully nice slip in and settle down unnoticed and unchecked among my thoughts.

words, especially when sewn together in the tapestry of a story, are powerful. they can draw one in until it's hard to tell what is reality and what is fiction. what is true and what sounds like the truth. lies are often hidden, sneaking in like a thief when no one is paying attention. they are subtle, camouflaging themselves with partial truth and twisted notions.

God's words are the most powerful words of all. only God's words are absolute truth, perfect in every detail, and able to shed light on all the lies that at first sound plausible. when held up to the standard of God's word, every lie falls short. the loophole is revealed for all those searching to see. discernment is crucial, even necessary for a believer who claims to be a child of God. everything must be tested against the Truth. everything. nothing can be exempt from scrutiny to see if it coincides with the Truth.

through the shack God has given me a wake up call. it's not that i don't take things to God and His word and ask Him about their validity. i do. i don't take everything at face value and assume all is good. at the same time i'm not always as discerning as i should be. i realize that now. i lowered my guard for the smallest moment. loosened my grip on what God has revealed the slightest bit. and i was wrong. i almost let lies in. almost gave the devil a foothold. thankfully, God uses many means to arouse my lazy self and prick my conscience. i'm thankful He helped me listen.

i am a little sad that the shack wasn't as good as i had once hoped. what is amazing to me (or shouldn't be so amazing to me, but it is) is how my Father still used it for my good. He knew i needed a wake up call, a reminder to return fully to His truth alone, to be aware of the lies that constantly lurk around every bend (or book cover).

"...i focus my attention on what You are saying..." psalm 119:69 msg (italics added)