When contemplating truth, it’s often viewed as the ‘right path’ or ‘guiding life’s true teachings’ and many world religions aim to convey this.
During Saturday evangelism in central London, a common phrase is used when engaging with those exploring religions or acknowledging the Creator with unclear beliefs. The phrase goes, ‘Choosing a religion should be based on clear evidence for an eternal future. If the Creator loves us, it’s right for Him to reveal Himself. If He exists but remains hidden, belief is unnecessary. Comparing major religions, Christianity boasts the most credible historical evidence.’ This supports the evangelist’s proclamation of Christianity’s solid historical foundation.
Truth, contrary to common perception, isn’t just knowledge or enlightenment but Jesus Christ himself, as he stated, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). It is not a special essence or teaching but a living character.
Since the Bible is a book that testifies to Jesus Christ (John 5:39), we are not merely scholars studying the book but individuals seeking to know and follow the person it points to—Jesus Christ. Thus, Paul says, “That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” (Ephesians 4:20-21).
Vision also similar. When thinking about vision, it is often considered as the ministry and goals one aims to achieve in the future. Therefore, those in the uncertain period of youth, faced with various choices, tend to be interested in vision. Surprisingly, the answer to this is simple.
“I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” (Acts 13:22). When God met David, it was because he was a man after God’s own heart, and through him, God said He would fulfill what David wants to do. According to this statement, your vision for the future depends on your relationship with God. Therefore, vision is not information about your future but loving the character of God-and living a holy life before that God!
In the end, both truth and vision are not knowledge or information but a living character. That is why people who fall far short of the world’s standards still have hope. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are” (1 Corinthians 1:27-28).
Truth and vision are about seeking God and drawing near to Jesus Christ here and now, living in companionship with Him.
