I was sitting on the couch with Clara and Manny and we were looking through a book about butterflies. After looking at all the beautiful pictures and marveling at how beautiful God has designed them, we came to the end of the book. I decided to read about the author on the jacket lining.
After we read a little about him we read about a legend that he obviously thought was worthwhile mentioning. This is what it said...
"An ancient legend states: If you desire a wish to come true, you must first capture a butterfly. Then whisper your secret wish to it. Release the butterfly unharmed and it will take your wish to the Great Spirit where it will be answered. For you have kept the balance of nature."
So...what do you think...true? Or false?
Maybe you're not sure and you think maybe, just maybe it's possible.
Maybe you think it's utter nonsense. If so, why? Can you explain why it is false?
What do you believe? And do you believe it with all your heart? Do you believe it so much that anything that contradicts it is false?
Some people think that it's arrogant and unloving to say that there is one truth, one way, one right thing to believe. I say it's the most loving thing you can say. And I say it with every ounce of love in my heart.
I decided to use the quote about the "ancient legend" to teach my kids. I called them to the living room and I said "I'm going to read you something that someone has said. I want you to tell me if it's true or false."
I read the paragraph, making an effort to not make it sound false. The older girls knew right away it was false. I asked them why.
"Because we pray to God!", they said with big smiles. Ah...the truth is so refreshing. Pretty simple, pretty basic. I mean there is a lot wrong with the "butterfly quote" and I'll refrain from picking it apart. Sadly, I can think of a time in my life where my beliefs and opinions where based on my own experience, likes, dislikes and preference. It grieves me, but I probably would have thought that the ancient legend was beautiful. Maybe even believed it in a fanciful sort of way.
It is only the Word of God that has shown me truth from error. It is my sure foundation. It sets truth and lies apart! Are you thankful for God's precious Word?
I remember when my oldest daughter was three years old. The topic of "God and religion" came up. I was weeping. This was before I placed my faith in Christ for the forgiveness of my sins. I remember what I said to my husband and another family member. I said "I don't want my daughter to be as confused as I am." It caused me so much grief!
Isn't it precious that even small children can learn what the truth is! Isn't it beautiful that they can learn to navigate in this world and reject the lies that will come their way--sometimes FULL FORCE!
Shortly before Jesus was to be crucified on a cross for the guilt of OUR sins he prayed for us. He said, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." There it is. Straight from his mouth. Those who believe in "COEXIST" ing have it all wrong. It's either one truth or no truth at all. And to those who believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins... He gives life! This is not merely existing. This is forgiveness full and free and being set apart from the rest of the world to live a life based on the Word of truth.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest... (Jesus, in Matt. 11:28)
Are you questioning what to believe?
My relationship with God began with reading the Bible.
Get to know him through it. Read what he says about himself. Start small, just a little each day. One chapter, one Psalm, or even one verse. The Gospel according to John is also a great place to begin. I pray that you will see and understand that God's Word contains the truth about him and about us. May he bless you in the reading of it.
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