Focus on the FundamentalsShembull

So, what are the Christian fundamentals? Exactly what the fundamentals of the Christian faith are could be debated, however I found an interesting parallel with the armor of God in Ephesians 6. These are all things that should be done consistently and repeatedly as we “put on the armor of God” daily. Fundamental 1 — Discerning Truth (Belt of Truth) (Eph 6:14) Watching the news or looking on social media, many times I come away with the same question as Pilate to Jesus: “What is truth?” You have conflicting reports of the same event from different news stations, medical doctors arguing over the truth with their own research, and politicians who remove the truth so far from sight in order to gain popularity and grow their poll numbers. The good news is that, for Christians, truth is not based on any of these sources, but on the Word of God. Culture does not dictate truth; we need to filter what we see and hear through the lens of the Bible. 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 NIV). Truth is not relative; you do not have a personal truth. We need to be grounded in the Word of God so we do not get tossed by the wind like a wave in the sea, as James 1:6 says happens when we doubt. We need truth to hold us steady and stay the course that God has for us. Speak the truth of the Bible and believe it! The belt for the Roman solider was not a fashion statement; it held a vital purpose of holding everything together. A place to sheathe the sword, a way to hold the breastplate together, and a way for the tunic to be tucked in. Truth, as a piece of our spiritual armor, holds everything together as well. Think of every other part of the Armor of God. Without truth… what do you have? The battle against truth is a battle in the mind. Our spiritual warfare does not take place on a battlefield, but in a space within our thoughts. We have to identify the lies that play out in our mind and keep coming back. What fears or desires seem to drive you beyond your ability to control them? Our daily discipline is to take on the mind of Christ by combatting one lie at a time and reminding ourselves of a corresponding Scripture that is relevant in the battle for truth. What lies keep coming to your mind that you have to fight with truth? What does daily remembering the truth of God’s Word mean for your thought life?