Jeremiah 25:7 “But you did not listen to me,” declares the Lord, “and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.”

A major reason for the study of history is the awareness that actions have consequences. It says in Hebrews, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:11) If we don’t know what that example is, we are open game for the devil to trick us into doing the same thing. That’s precisely why the Left has been working to remove the study of history from US schools, or at least distort that history to a caricature of actual events. The historical sections of the Old Testament teach us that, in general, A+B=C, whether C is something we want or not. Throughout history God has told mankind what activities would bring blessing and has warned them what activities would bring disaster, but all too often we have been deliberately deaf. The record of events leading up to the Babylonian captivity are a stark example of that. Jeremiah had the unenviable task of informing the people of what was going on, several times quoting the actual words of God, as in this verse. We shake our heads at the stubborn foolishness of the people, but are we any better? The state of America, and the world, right now is an indication that we are just as stubborn as our ancestors. We need to rise up and insist that our children be taught history as it actually happened, so that they may avoid the pitfalls and reap the benefits of what has gone before. Jesus’ words, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” (John 8:32) apply to far more than theology. We need to be truth seekers indeed, in every area of life, so that we may walk in the freedom God intends for us.

I like to think of myself as a truth seeker, but I have demonstrated that I am quite adept at deceiving myself. (James 1:22) That should keep me from looking down at others, but I should not be hesitant to share the truth I know, particularly in terms of the consequences of our actions, both good and bad. What makes that easier is the message of God’s grace, but we shouldn’t be in the position of demanding grace when we know good from bad in the first place. I am to walk in both humility and assurance, knowing that I don’t know everything, but God has imparted a good bit of truth to me, and it is a privilege and responsibility to share that truth with others. And above all, I need to walk in the truth I know!

Father, thank You for Your patience and grace toward me. Help me walk more and more fully in Your way, not insisting on my own way, so that Your plans may be fulfilled in and through me for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!