3 John 3

“For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified
       of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the
       truth.” 
              — 3 John 3

The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in the truth. If the first had
not been the case, the second could never have occurred; and if the
second could not be said of him the first would have been a mere
pretence. Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it, or
else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of creed are like
bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the frame; but
doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by
assimilation, sustains and builds up the body. In us truth must be a
living force, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the
woof and warp of our being. If it be in us, we cannot henceforth part
with it. A man may lose his garments or his limbs, but his inward parts
are vital, and cannot be torn away without absolute loss of life. A
Christian can die, but he cannot deny the truth. Now it is a rule of
nature that the inward affects the outward, as light shines from the
centre of the lantern through the glass: when, therefore, the truth is
kindled within, its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and
conversation. It is said that the food of certain worms colours the
cocoons of silk which they spin: and just so the nutriment upon which a
man’s inward nature lives gives a tinge to every word and deed
proceeding from him. To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity,
holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity-the natural product of those
principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of
God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul by
their manifestation in the man’s conversation. Be it ours to-day, O
gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by thy divine authority, so
that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend
its malignant influence to our daily walk among men.

On this day…

• Isaiah 33 – 2024
• Isaiah 32 – 2024
• We Were Eager to Share with You Our Own Souls – 2011
• Devotional Commentary of Ephesians – 2009
• Church Government – 2009
• WHAT IS A MISSIONARY? – 2008
• Psalms 120:5 – 2008
• Hebrews 2:18 – 2007
• Hebrews 1:14 – 2007