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Buy the truth and do not sell it -

wisdom, instruction and insight as well.

~Proverbs 23:23

 

Good morning dear sister!

Are you in the mood to go shopping today? Don’t worry, we’re not going out, we’re going to shop at the store of Proverbs 23! I’ve already been browsing a bit and I’ve seen something that will be both a perfect fit and look lovely on you! 

When I go shopping, especially for my sisters, I consider quality over cost. I’d rather invest in something well made that will last a long time than a short term this-will-do item.

So, the first item I’ve been on the lookout for is truth. Thinking of truth as our foundational garment, I set out to find the most perfect kind of truth that would look the most attractive on the daughters of God.

Silly me, I first walked into the wrong store! I Googled the word truth, hoping to read a pithy definition that we would understand in a snap! Instead, I got a philosophical treatise on “The FOUR Types of Truth”! Ay yi yi… no wonder this world is in such confusion!!

Imagine, we’re all going around with four types of truth in our heads! I don’t mean to be treading on the work of some of the world's most brilliant philosophical minds, but I’m reminded of Jesus saying to Martha, ‘only one thing is necessary’. 

What is that one thing? It is God’s truth! His truth is always a perfect fit, beautiful to behold and though costly, it is also of superb quality and will last, literally forever! This is truth from the Creator of all things, including truth itself!

Now that we’ve explored our shopping options…. How do we go about buying this truth? We don’t pay for it with money, or what the Apostle Paul would call ‘filthy lucre’! (1 Tim 3:3 KJV) We obtain it by spending time reading and meditating on God’s Word. We pay for it by making an effort to study and understand it, giving of our time and energy. We pray, asking the Holy Spirit to teach us.

Then, we store it in the closet of our minds where it is readily available when we need it! Perfect for every occasion!

In fact, once we own it, we never want to sell it! Who would want to give up something so beautiful and precious? But it doesn’t just sit in our closet, we take it out and share it with all who wish to be so clothed!

Now that we’ve purchased truth, we begin looking to purchase truth’s accessories to go with our heavenly garment! First, we add wisdom to our ensemble! Think of wisdom as practical knowledge. We get wisdom when we try on truth by applying it to our lives. We practice what we have learned in our everyday situations. This is like getting your garment out of the closet and wearing it!

Next, we add instruction. The Bible has a lot to say about morality and self discipline. These character traits add to the beauty and comfort of our garment, giving it a quality that will not wear out, or easily stain or rip. We get instruction by listening to wise teachers and fellowship with spiritually mature believers. This is like taking fashion tips from a trusted sister whose sense of style you admire!

Finally, we buy insight, it’s like adding  a sparkly element to our outfit (I know how some of my sisters love to sparkle!). Insight flashes when we have the opportunity through the Holy Spirit to speak an appropriate word of encouragement or counsel. What a blessing to add some sparkle to the lives of others. Proverbs 25:11 says, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the proper time.” 

The big difference between mankind’s idea of truth and God’s truth is that God is the Complete truth, weaving together wisdom, instruction and insight in perfect harmony with His truth. It will never be corrupted, but will always remain pure.

There! Now don’t you look lovely? God is pleased with your choices, don’t forget to ask Him about your “Gospel of peace” shoes! (Eph 6:15)

Keep loving Jesus and moving forward!

With love, your sister, Celeste