By G. Neil Armstrong

            Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just… lovely… of good report… or of virtue, or any praise, think on these things. This will result in being transformed because it will renew our mind.

            How can a person know what is true? Webster says that true is faithful to reality; dependable to friends, promises, etc.; conformable to a standard; within tolerance.

            Paul wrote to the Philippians’ church, and in chapter four he used the word true twice and in two different contexts; therefore this word true has more than one use, along with slightly or even largely different implications. In verse three he was writing about a true yokefellow. This implied that the yokefellow is legitimate, genuine, and/or sincere. In verse eitht, Paul was implying that whatsoever things are true is to say whatsoever things are not concealing. True means to be revealed.

            In Genesis 42, Joseph’s brothers clarified in verse eleven that we are all one man’s sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies. Moses, the author of Genesis, implied that these men were just or upright, and not false; not in disguise. In verse nineteen, Joseph tried these men. This trial is to reveal if these men be true. This process (vv. 19-34) can be used as a god example for us to try or test to determine that which is true; by way of integrity, to prove oneself.

            In Deuteronomy 17:1-5, the law in which God gave to Moses tells us in verse 4 to inquire diligently, and behold, it be true, and the thing certain. This diligent inquiry is another way a person can know what is true.

            Sometimes an omen or an oath is token (evidence) enough to trust in that which is in question of being true. In Joshua 2:12-14, Rahab (the harlot – v.1) wanted Joshua’s two spies to make a true oath, or swear by the Lord; to give her a true token. In this case, the men swore by their life that her and her family would be delivered from death.

            It seems to me that all throughout the Bible, God is giving us diverse examples of how to be true Christians, deep within us, and throughout all that we are. These examples also teach us how to know who is a true believer, what word of advice is true, and even what way of life is true to the young Christian.

            Search the scriptures, my fellow believers. Study, use your head to guied your heart. Wise up. Meditate on that which is true. Let truth guide you in your Christian walk. Don’t lean to your own understanding. Acknowledge God in His instruction. He will lead you. This do in the path of the true Christ. This do in Jesus’ name.

Saturday, August 29, 2009  11:30am