Sincerity Isn't Enough

“These things are written that you might KNOW you have eternal life… we KNOW that we belong to God, and the whole world lies in (the lap of) wickedness… we KNOW the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we may KNOW Him who is True, and we are in Him who is True: in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and Eternal Life” (1 John 5).

Many people think sincerity is enough to win God’s favor. But it isn’t. Every religious group, including Atheism, claim sincerity. It sounds good, but with complete sincerity people drank poisoned Kool-Aid from a cult leader years ago. With complete sincerity, many a Muslim have blown themselves into eternity thinking that killing the ‘infidel’ earned them a spot in Paradise. Sincerity is not enough. Sincere people can be manipulated and lied to – making them sincerely wrong. Sincerity must be founded on Truth.

The Bible is called ‘The Word of Truth.’ Jesus said, “If you continue in My Word, then you are My disciples indeed; and you shall KNOW the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31,32).  KNOWING Jesus Christ is God, that He died and rose again to save us from the penalty and power of sin, and that He is returning soon to judge the world, is the foundation of truth on which all love and sincere service is acceptable before God.

A person who claims to be sincere, but doesn’t investigate truth, is sincerely gullible. Loving truth is the test of sincerity. Jesus said His Word will judge all people in the last day. That’s a good reason to get to know it. Then, in confidence of His truth, we can “love the Lord and serve Him sincerely.”

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)