One True God: A Devotional From Influence MusicSample

Song: "One True God"

Artist: Melody Altavilla

Have you ever heard the phrase “That’s my truth” or “Live your truth”?

When I first moved to New York City about ten years ago, it was everywhere. It sounded empowering - even liberating. But something about it didn’t sit right with me. I was a new Christian, still learning, but I knew enough to realize I couldn’t trust myself to define what is true. As a child of God, something deep inside me knew there was already a way that leads to life, and I definitely wouldn’t find it by carving my own. Over the years, as I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve learned that the answer to “What is truth?” is found only in Jesus Christ.

On the night before He went to the cross, in one of the most intimate moments in all of Scripture, Jesus prayed to the Father; first for Himself, then for His disciples, and then for all who would one day believe in Him. In the middle of that prayer, He defines eternal life: “And this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3)

Of all the things He could have prayed for us, Jesus prayed that we would know the only true God. Why? Because this is the key to real freedom, real life, and real purpose. The Greek word for “know” here is ginōskō, meaning deep, experiential, relational knowledge, not just head knowledge. And the word “true” is alēthinos — genuine, real, authentic. In other words, Jesus prayed that His followers would experience a living, personal relationship with the only real and authentic God that exists. He knew we’d be tempted to chase freedom in false gods, empty promises, and self-made philosophies! He wanted to spare us. He knew idols couldn't save us and self-help wouldn’t sustain us. Our own “truth” will never set us free. Only the Truth can. And that Truth has a name: Jesus

This album and song, “One True God,” is an uncompromising declaration of this revelation. My prayer is that every lyric and melody in this song would embolden the believer to embrace this narrow path to abundant life.

Reflection: Are there any other idols in your life that the Lord wants you to lay down?