The world is full of various perspectives and depending on how one filters “truth” will depend on their perspective of reality. Dictionary.com defines filter as a variety of devices used for removing impurities.
The Bible is a Filter
As a follower of Jesus Christ our filter should be the word of God; unfortunately, many Christians do not read the Bible. Therefore, their filter is often the opinions of others and the world. This is a very dangerous way to interpret the truth. We are not of the world, just as Jesus was not of this world (John 17:16). The truth, which is the word of God, whether an individual believes it or not, will set us free. 32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ... 36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. - John 8:32, 36 NKJV. To “know” means to perceive or understand. The term “shall make” means to deliver, to make free. It is an action word that suggests that the truth will actively do something if we would “know” it. These scriptures also assure us that it is Jesus who “makes free.”
Just over a year ago, my husband and I underwent a considerable amount of distress and betrayal in several of our relationships. To make this matter worse, all of these relationships were ministry based as well as friendships. It didn’t take us long to realize there was a testing in this situation that required us to be quiet and allow the Lord to vindicate and defend us if He so chose. We also had to keep pressing on in ministry when we were profoundly broken, weary, and empty. When others hurt us, our first reaction is to defend ourselves and our reputation, yet we read in the book of Philippians that our minds should be as Christ Jesus who made Himself of no reputation. Thus, we should do the same.
During this time, I turned to a woman who I love as a spiritual mother. She told me to “pass the test for all of heaven is watching.” When I heard these words, I was strengthened within my core, knowing that we were going to be promoted, if we stood firm and passed the test. She also assured us that we were not to quit the ministry or even take a break from it. Under these circumstances, I would have thought it best to set ministry aside and seek to heal, however, we heeded our friends' advice and kept pressing.
For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. Pro 24:6