(series 5)
3 John 1
KJV
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4+ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Life’s lessons are taught by following a systematically arranged curriculum or through experience. There is “ systematic truth “ and “ experiential Truth”.
The pursuit of both is recommended and desirable, but the experiential is the most preferred. An effective, useful, and successful person possesses the combination of both classroom and street ( experiential) sense!
As the psalmist requested, truth must be taught ;
Psalms 86
KJV
11+ Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
In the case of Christianity, an effective useful child of God is the one who not only knows the scriptures ( theoretical) but can apply them in the real world It is not about “ quotation “ it is about “ application”.
Two things are highlighted in the above scripture passages, “to walk in the truth” and “to walk in truth”. The two statements are not the same.
The first presupposes that there is a body of knowledge called “ the truth “ which one must uphold and apply to be described as “ walking in the truth”
To live and do things as stated in the scriptures is to “ walk in the truth as scripture is the Truth
John 17
KJV
17+ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
The question we must ask ourselves daily is “Are we walking in the truth?” Are we living lives that are consistent and in conformity with the Truth?” The Word.
The second thought conveyed in the verses above is “ walking in truth” To walk In Truth is simply to be sincere, honest, to be a promise keeper, reliable, trustworthy, your word is your bond. One word sums it up “ principled”.
To walk in the teeth gladdens the heart of God and fellow man. The Apostle John could not hide his joy when he saw and experienced the life of the children of a Christian sister.
2 John 1
KJV
4+ I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
When the knowledge of the Word of God influences us it makes us walk in truth. We deal sincerely and honestly with people as we live principled lives.
Interestingly, it is only fellow principled people who see this and admire the principled. The unprincipled finds it difficult to understand let alone accept them!
Yes, darkness and light can not coexist. The vulgar, rude, uncouth etc can not coexist with the disciplined, decent-minded, orderly etc. We see these every day as we relate to people.
Ever wondered why some disliked, speak evil of you, why your presence in their midst disturbs them etc? It is because you Walk In Truth. You call a spade a spade and not a shovel You are principled!
Read God’s promise to the principled, those who walk in truth ;
1 Kings 2
KJV
4+ That the Lord may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
Beloved, teach yourself how to walk not only in the truth but also in truth!
John Franklin Tamakloe