The simplicity of life

[notice]A monthly column by farmer, preacher and writer  for Jesus, Angus Buchan[/notice]

People are looking for the simplicity of life.   They want the truth and they want it undiluted.  Jesus said in John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth.  Your word is truth“.

I used to be amazed at how a doctor could tell his patient that he has three months to live, or that he has a terminal disease for which there is no cure, without even batting an eyelid.  I used to think that was very harsh, but as I am growing older, I can understand it.  It is the truth that prepares you for the inevitable.

We as believers firmly believe that there is nothing impossible for God, however, we need to face the facts.  In my quiet time, I have been reading the book of Ephesians 4:25-32 (NLT) “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbours the truth, for we are all part of the same body. And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foot hold to the devil.  If you are a thief, quit stealing, instead use your hands for good hard work and give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way in which you live, remember He has identified you as His own guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour.  Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

All we need to do is tell people the truth in love.  When you tell a person the truth, they can do something about it.  An untruth or half-truth is a lie.  People don’t want to hear any more lies.  They want the truth and they want it straight.  Truth is what will save many marriages and relationships. It’s when we speak the truth and believe in the Word of God, that we will have power and life.

When I was a teenage boy, many of us were taught this apostles’ creed in confirmation classes.  We had to learn this off by heart.  It is one thing to learn by parrot fashion, but it is another thing to get it into your heart.

This is the “The Apostle’s Creed”:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered Pontius Pilate. He was crucified, died and He was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into Heaven and seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Church[1], the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.”