Why? | a 3-Day Skate Church Movement DevotionalSample

Why search for truth?

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

“Clips or it didn’t happen.” I’d be surprised if you haven’t heard that saying. Anyone can be quick to say that they kickflipped a 28-stair, bombed a massive hill without powersliding, or dropped in switch on the over-vert section blindfolded. The reality is, if nobody got a clip of it, or if no one was there to witness it or testify that it truly happened, then it will most likely be thought of as just a tall tale.

One thing this tells us is that skateboarders are big on authenticity—the genuine and raw truth of what happened. Taking this thought one step further, beyond just landing a trick or getting a clip, is the thought of us being authentic as individuals. Is someone who they say they are, and does what they do back up what they say? You know that gut feeling you get when something doesn’t feel right, seems too good to be true, or sounds like a downright lie? I’d venture to guess that we all have a desire to know what’s true and that we’re all naturally drawn to the Truth. The reason why I give Truth a capital “T” is because I believe that Truth is a THING rather than just a nice characteristic. To know the Truth isn’t just a quest to gain more head-knowledge, but as Christians, it’s the process of pursuing Jesus. Jesus tells His disciples in John 14:6, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life.” To know Truth and to search for Truth is to pursue a relationship with God and the desire to know Him more.

The incredible thing about God is that He is unchanging! Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Someone with that type of consistency is someone I can trust. We further know we can rely on God because Psalm 145:13 tells us that “The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does.” If we are going to search for Truth, God is the most perfect place to begin and end.

So now we know WHO to search for when looking for truth, but WHY should we want to find that truth? Have you ever posted a sick clip on Instagram, expecting to hear positive facts on how clean or difficult it was? Instead, some comments criticize you or mock your style. It’s discouraging when we want the facts (the truth), but instead we get defeated by opinions. God is in the department of speaking truth over you!

In 2 Timothy 2:15, we learn that when Truth is present, there’s no need to be ashamed. We also learn that we’re accountable to God only. It’s His approval that should matter to us, not others. If we know the Truth and have a relationship with Christ, the amazing and freeing thing about that is if other people lie or say something untruthful about you, it doesn’t have a chance to stick; you’re connected to the Truth, and He knows you by name. Finally, the most important thing is to focus on rightly handling the Word of Truth. Stay close to God, keep pressing into the words He says in Scripture, and remain connected with the family of God. These are the things He’s provided us to keep us on the right track and keep us healthy and thriving. If you know truth exists—if you knew someone got the clip and it was out there—would you keep looking for it?

pushing further

1. Have you ever had someone tell you they got a clip of a trick but you know they didn’t?
2. Is truth important to you?
3. Do you feel like you have pursued truth in your life?
4. What is a lie that you might believe about yourself, but God says something different?