Unlearn Untruths

3-4-2011 by Boyd Bailey

Unlearn Untruths


"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

God calls His children to think anew-not like they did in the past with old prejudices and skewed perspectives-but with renewed thoughts captured by Christ. Like medical science that discovers new remedies for old illnesses, the Christian mind changes and grows under God's influence. We love the Lord with our mind when we humbly unlearn untruths.

The mature follower of Christ learns to unlearn beliefs that are untrue. For example, the Bible does not teach: "God helps those who help themselves." Yet, because we hear it repeated multiple times without rebuttal, it begins to blend into our belief system. Truthfully, God helps those who die to themselves, and who come alive by faith in Jesus Christ. Yes, the Lord wants us to work hard, but not as a substitute for our utter dependence on Him.

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

Another untruth that needs to be unlearned says, "If you have enough faith you will be physically healed or you will prosper materially." Jesus can of course do either of these, but your faith does not guarantee that He will heal you (though the ultimate healing is to be in heaven) or that He will bless you financially. Some with great faith, die of disease and some, filthy rich in faith, live a life of poverty on earth. True faith-trusts God-to do His will.

Often repeated, but is wrong: "bad people go to hell and good people go to heaven." It's saved people who go to heaven and lost people who go to hell. Only our belief in the blood of Jesus Christ, as the payment for our sin, can we gain eternal life with God. There is no amount of moral acts that can justify a life before Him; it requires grace not goodness.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away" (Isaiah 64:6). "But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23b).

Therefore, rid your mind of old thinking that assumes something that is not true, and replace it with Scripture's timeless truth. A mentor or teacher may have meant well, but a sincere heart that delivers half-truths can confuse your mind and emotions. Read the Bible to validate what you believe-and have the courage and faith to unlearn untruths.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ" (Colossians 2:8).

What belief do I currently embrace as true that does not align with Scriptural principles?

Related Readings: Job 6:24; Psalm 119:15; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 2 Timothy
2:25-26