The Truth of the Matter

CBN.com - From time to time I receive email from folks questioning how I can possibly find biblical truth in the topics I write about.  The truth of the matter is that there is biblical truth in every situation we are faced with.

It all begins with the fact that every word in the Bible is fully true.  God supervised each individual who had anything to do with putting down His words on paper, animal skin, or a cave wall that would eventually comprise the 66 books found in the Bible.

In II Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

I will get right to the point.  We could never discover the truth about God and ourselves without the Bible.  From the Bible, we receive continuous guidance to help us answer some of life’s most critical questions and the ability to apply its truth to our personal lives.*

Allow me to illustrate.  I have a great disdain for anyone who calls me by a pet name other than my wife or mother.  Yet for whatever reason I seem to be a magnet for waitresses, store clerks, and complete strangers who want to call me “baby”, “sugar”, “sweetheart”, or some derivative thereof.

There is a donut shop that I like to frequent on my way to work each morning.  My goal is to get in, get my donuts and coffee, and get to work.  I do not have time for idle chit chat and the exchange of half-hearted pleasantries.  But one particular day several months ago that all changed.

“Good morning, darling!” said a new face, beaming back at me from behind the counter.

Wincing at her darling comment, I grunted back, “I will have a number three.  Cream and sugar in the coffee, please.”

“I would be delighted.” 

As she busied herself getting my order I cogitated over what she had called me. 

“Contrary to what she might think I am not her darling.  Not even close.  Just who does this old wind bag think she is anyway?  She is in my personal emotional space!”

Just as I was about to really let her have it in my mind, she did it again.

“Here you go darling!  I hope you have a blessed day.”

Twice in one transaction?  She called me darling twice?  Note to self: Do not, I repeat, do not come here again. 

And I didn’t for more than two weeks.  But eventually my craving for the almighty donut got the best of me and I decided it was safe to go back.  What were the chances she would be there again?  Slim to none I thought.  And besides, I was missing my morning comfort of a chocolate honey glazed and medium hazelnut coffee.

So back I went.  I was barely inside the door when I heard the syrupy filled sweetness of a voice I had come to loathe.

“Well, good morning Honey Buttons.  I haven’t seen you in awhile.”

She remembered me?  How can this woman possibly remember me?  I have talked to her once. Honey Buttons?

“A number three, please,” I said, without any hint of emotion in my voice.

“Cream and sugar, right love?”

“That would be fine,” I said flatly.

As she hustled and bustled to prepare my order, I couldn’t help but overhear her singing the hymn, “Love Lifted Me”.  She even did the little variation where she changed the “Love lifted me” chorus to “

“Will that be all, Honey Buttons?”

“Yes, it will.  Can I ask you a question?”

She nodded, handed me my donuts and coffee, and started punching my order into the cash register.

“I haven’t heard anyone sing that song like that in a long time.  It was nice.  Brings back a lot of fond memories.”

I can’t believe I just said that.  After all, this is the woman who calls me names my wife wouldn’t even dare call me.”

Handing me my change, she laughingly replied, “Honey Buttons, if you came in more regularly you would know that I sing hymns all day long.  Have a blessed day!”

So, I started swinging by the donut shop more frequently.  I still didn’t like what she called me but I loved hearing her sing and praise God.  And with each passing day, our relationship grew.  She stills calls me by names that make me cringe but the experience has grown into a daily time of fellowship over donuts and coffee.

This is a silly little story for sure but here is the biblical truth that has come from this experience.  In

What I have learned through this experience is that sharing and praising together can be a great source of spiritual growth and renewal.*  Making fellowship a habit helps us to learn more about life, love, and what our life’s purpose is – even if you are called “Darling”, “Love”, or “Honey Buttons”.

Furthermore, God’s word is true in every situation.  He wants us to seek answers to all of our challenges, hardships, and even little inconveniences through His word.  That is what our Christian walk is all about – to constantly seek Him in every decision we make.

Everything you need is in the Book.  Please don’t forget that.

* Portions contained within this article from the Transformer Study Bible.