There is especial danger of the mind becoming weary and indifferent in the search after what is vital, and so taking refuge in the question, “What is truth?” as if it allowed of no definite or sufficient answer. This state of mind, in degree, may infest the church, as well as become the prevalent folly of the world. The producing causes are to be found in the very constitution of the human mind, when acted upon by the peculiar influences of the present day.
Besides, there are many things short of the patent dislike of the truth that may tend to keep the mind in a state of hesitating equilibrium. The real solution of many a perplexing and doubtful case is to be found in the words of Christ, “How can ye believe who receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor which cometh from God only?” (John 5:4444How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only? (John 5:44)), or in the sterner declaration, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:1313No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)). The world is in direct antagonism to the Father, and hence, to the degree that the world, in whatever form, has its hold unrelaxed upon my heart, I shall be indisposed to listen to the communications of the Father through the Son. I do not oppose; I do not disbelieve; I only doubt. I doubt the meaning here; I doubt the application there; I doubt the possibility of carrying it out in this place.
But we must recognize this, that truth will never be truth to our souls until it is translated into action! Truth may appeal to our conscience, to our affections, to our duty, with all the authority of the God of truth. At first it deals with us about ruin or redemption. It next claims to be formative of our motives, to be the guide of our actions, the director of our thoughts, the animator of our hopes, the overseer of our whole inner, as well as our outer, life. But truth does not exist for us, if we refuse it our obedience and our heart.
Bible Treasury, Vol. 4