The Truth of All Things

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

The second paragraph of America’s most famous document begins with these words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident….”  (The Declaration of Independence)  Such are the truths and entitlements of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that apparently require no substantiation or demonstration of validity.  Notwithstanding, much debate and many wars have been fought over the centuries to secure these self-evident, but elusive truths.  Hence, we see that if they are not held close and inviolate, are clearly understood, and taught to future generations, they may slip from our grasp.

The same may be said of the many truths taught by angels, prophets, and other heavenly messengers from the beginning of time.  It would seem that Our Father in Heaven often requires that we accept some truths and live them without always fully understanding them.  Further, it appears that this is a deliberate and purposeful teaching method He has employed.  Requiring us to act in faith and in obedience to His will, without full knowledge, stretches and grows our soul.  Such is a primary purpose of this life.

As we experiment with obedience based on faith, those things which are true are discovered and then find permanent residence in us.  Such a process, as it recurs throughout our life, builds ever greater capacity until at some point, probably beyond this life, we come to a fullness, a point where we will know the truth of all things.  Such is the promise given by Paul that it will come, but not until, “… we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (emphasis added): (Ephesians 4:13).

While we may experience that kind of fullness in an incredibly distant future, we have today and each successive day to learn, bit by bit, the truth of all things.  To do so, we would be wise to be constantly seeking, ever-pursuing, and ever-learning about all things true, both those that are self-evident,  and those just a bit more elusive, but still of eternal importance.  In our search, we would also be prudent to utilize both the scientific method and the divine faith method.  Indeed, the first is but an opinion in search of proof, and the second, a previously validated belief in search of a personal experience.  Both require diligence, obedience to procedural law, and patience and perseverance.  Only with these can we know the truth of all things.

The Truth of All Things

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2 For men shall …. 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3:1,2,7

Oh, to always know what is true

And be enlightened by the Holy Spirit

Being inspired to know what to do

When He speaks and we hear it

He speaks if we have sincere hearts

And ask in true faith with real intent

Receiving the grace that God imparts

If we but listen, obey, and repent

For whatsoever is right, true, and just

Will testify of Christ and His power

Upon which we rely and place our trust

As holiness distils and blessings shower

To know and obey the truth sets us free

To become all that God meant us to be

And allows our discerning eyes to see

Mysteries unlocked by inspiration’s key

The Spirit of Truth reveals all things

If we are worthy to receive inspiration

Light and truth, and peace He brings

Whether we are of high or lowly station

Oh, how pure and sweet the Spirit sings

Like a dove descending on gentle wings

Bringing tidings of joy and sacred things

To seeking souls whether peasants or kings

Larry Doyle Crenshaw