Images! Images! A scenic cityscape can be photographed in just the right light, enticing us to experience it first-hand. But what’s never portrayed is the crowding, smut and evil within it. The advertising world is extremely skilled at toying with our emotions. They simply project a series of images before us, whether they be pictures or brief videos—all those smiling faces leading us to believe that happiness is just around the corner if only we will try their product.

The constant bombardment of images seriously impacts our lives. It’s only natural to believe what we see and automatically incorporate it into our beliefs. This system is very powerful and thus takes real wisdom not to be captured by its deception. The Bible warns: “Look not at the worldly things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen… for the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Jesus promised that His Father would send His followers the Holy Spirit once He left the earth: “He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; …He abides with you and will be in you” (John 14:16). The Bible proclaims that we are, “sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14). What does it actually mean to have the Holy Spirit living within us?

Just imagine it! The Holy Spirit is a Person, a divine member of the Godhead. And God has given Him to us. He is always there, “guiding us into all truth” and comforting us” (John 16:13), at the very core of our being. We need to fully appreciate this precious gift God has bestowed on us. He always glorifies Jesus and will be our constant companion. Our part is to continuously pursue intimacy with Him.

Jeremiah 6:16 proclaims, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Have you chosen God’s path? Great! But there’s a fork in the trail which demands another decision. One results in a leisurely walk along a gently flowing stream. The other takes you straight up into the high country.

The easy path is pleasant and needs little attention. The higher road is rigorous and requires time, perseverance and vigilance. The temptation is always there to choose the meandering path along the river. But God’s has an even better way! Those who take the high road experience vistas that are impossible without His direction—not to mention exceptionally rich eternal rewards. Paul says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

Psalm 84 declares: “The Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Paul goes even a step further: “God causes all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” So, what’s God up to when everything seems to be going haywire in life? As difficult as it may be to believe, He’s up to good.

Jesus sees the big pig picture. He knows what you truly need. He allows suffering in your life so that you might grow into the child of God He designed from the very beginning—one who is bent on pursuing Him with all your heart rather than chasing your own desires. Jesus came that we might be conformed to His very own image. We are His children, and we need His discipline to experience His finest.

The Bible describes our place in Christ’s body like being that of our own body—an eye or a hand, for example. The idea is how crucial it is to function together as a whole. But what if we change the perspective a little? Think about reducing yourself to the level of a cell. Immediately your sense of self-importance diminishes a bit, doesn’t it.

Yet consider how vital each cell is to a healthy organism. If that cell dies or becomes malignant it ceases to be useful, or may even become destructive. So it is with us as members of the body of Christ. Though you may not think of yourself as much, you are essential to the wellbeing of the whole. How could the eye or the hand even exist without all those cells working together? Every component is critical. Where would Christ’s church be without a healthy and vibrant you?

Our smart phones have become indispensable, both for communication and for information. When we find a great app we immediately download it; the most important ones go right on our front page. We tend to do the same with Jesus. We know that relationship with God is super important, and therefore give Him priority over most other things. Still, we demote Him to sort of an “app” status—we tend to neglect Him until we have a serious need.

It’s not surprising that we’re a bit confused. The idea of inviting Christ into our life has become the centerpiece of modern evangelism, while pursuing intimacy with Him often takes a backseat. Look at it from God’s perspective: accepting Jesus into our life is indeed important, but even more vital is that He has allowed us to share in His life. He needs to be more than something merely added to our life. Jesus is more than an app; He’s the operating system itself!

While in captivity, Paul recorded several prayers in his letters to three different churches. What’s remarkable is their perfect agreement with one another, which all the more emphasizes their importance for us. Each prayer begins with the necessity of being filled with the knowledge of God’s will. Paul knows this can only happen by means of revelation—God speaking His truth straight into our heart. There is no other way to gain true understanding!

We lean heavily on our knowledge of the Bible for God’s truth. Yet while the Bible is indeed the primary means of grasping His reality, it means very little if our understanding is merely intellectual. Rather, we must keep in mind what is at the forefront of Paul’s exhortation. God Himself must be the one to impart His truth as we read and meditate. Open yourself up to His leading. He will speak if we truly listen.

Why do Christians sometimes run to non-biblical sources to gain what they imagine to be profound wisdom? Think about it: the Bible contains a wealth of information regarding God’s nature, the purpose for His creation, and His amazing plan to bring us into conformity with His will—all culminating in sharing His glory with us eternally. Yet for many this doesn’t seem to be enough. So they pursue wisdom not only from secular sources but also from the teachings of other religions.

Ask this question: How can anything of enduring relevance be gained from those who believe in many gods—or even those who believe that there is only one God, yet reject Christ’s divinity? The answer clear: NOTHING! At best these philosophies and belief systems result merely in human wisdom, and at worst demonic deception. Get to know your Bible intimately, and the urge to seek further enlightenment will disappear.

“Wisdom shouts in the street…Turn to me and I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” so says the book of Proverbs. It is God shouting this message. Just imagine it—the Creator of all things calling you, calling, not as a whisper, but as a roar! And He continues to cry out today. Yet because He does not threaten immediate judgment on those who spurn Him, God’s call goes largely ignored, drowned out by the clamor of self-centeredness.

            But He delivers a clear warning: “Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand no one paid attention,” you will be ignored “when distress and anguish come upon you.” God promises blessing for those who respond to Him, and judgment for those who refuse. Which will be your heritage? Choose wisely; choose life—eternal life in Jesus our Lord!

Ask yourself: “Why do I believe what I believe? “ Belief is basic to the nature of man; it is the most powerful of all human drives. Because this is so, philosophy has flourished down through history–the early Greeks being a prime example. Philosophy has always spurred by the question of the nature of life. So the question keeps arising: “What is truth?” just as Pilate asked Jesus while examining Him.

Truth is simply reality—things the way they really are, not as we wished they were. Be careful! Many of man’s misguided ideas have infiltrated Christ’s Church itself. Absolute truth is derived from God’s revelation, because only He knows how things truly are. And what God has revealed is unquestionably found most prominently in the Bible. Get to know your Bible intimately and you will find His truth deeply rooted as the foundation of the eternal life Jesus promised.