“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32, NIV84)

Now, here is an important progression of thought to lay hold of.  Who of us doesn’t want to be free?  We are weary of all that holds us down and restricts our freedom.  Jesus says in the verse above that only the truth can set us free.  But in order to have the truth set us free, we must know the truth.  In order to know the truth, we must be Jesus’ disciples.  In order to be Jesus’ disciples, we must hold to His teachings (because they are the truth that sets us free).

So, if we are feeling trapped and enslaved, the question to really ask ourselves is, “Are we holding to Jesus’ teachings?”  Is it possible that we aren’t experiencing the freedom that Jesus promises because we really haven’t taken hold of His teaching?  It is one thing to know about Jesus and quite another to know Jesus.  Do we have a personal relationship with Jesus?  Are His words the words that guide and guard our hearts and minds?   Do we strive to live like Him as we follow Him day by day?   Jesus tells us that if that is a true description of our lives, then we know the truth, and that truth has set us free.

Join me every day in holding to the teachings of Jesus.  As we cling to His Word, may those very words provide a base of truth for our lives and a course of freedom for the direction we travel.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church