Transposed Truth

As I was helping a dyslexic child with his homework, I noticed an incorrect math problem. I asked the boy to tell me the solution to the addition problem knowing that what he writes isn’t always what he thinks.

“42,” he replied.

I pointed out the numbers one by one. “You wrote 24. You have the correct answer in your head, but you switched the numbers when you wrote them. Although you know what the solution is, the answer you wrote is incorrect.”

I wonder how many Christians have a dyslexic spiritual life with a distorted view of God’s truth.

There are many motivating, encouraging, and inspirational sayings floating around on social media that sound good. Many Christians share these feel-good posts, but they are a world view of truth – not a Biblical view. Even when truth is transposed slightly, it is still completely false. 

For example:

Example 1: “Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy.”

What about being Jesus centered and not “me” centered?

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (Philippians 2:4-5)

Example 2.“Remove yourself from people who don’t pour into you.”

Where does the Scripture about bearing each other’s burdens fit into that statement? 

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Example 3: “If you don’t feel joy in the situation you are in right now, it may be time to move on.”

What happened to trusting God every day? 

“Consider it joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

Example 4: “Treat people how they treat you because there are more takers than givers in this world.”

What about do unto others the way you want to be treated? 

“Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who hurt you. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (Luke 6:27-31)

Example 5: “If a person is not giving you peace, then they need to be removed from your life.”

What about being a light to others who are hurting? 

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

Truth Transposed:

When we have a dyslexic spiritual view, truth becomes transposed. We become unclear about what is truth and what is slightly left of the truth. It’s easy to be misled. The enemy takes something that is true and twists it slightly to make it not true. It sounds like good advice, and it speaks to the gaps in our hearts. It’s encouraging. Yet, it is completely false to the point that we become no different in our words and actions than unbelievers.

Reject what is not completely rooted in the truth of God’s Word! Just like in the child’s homework, when truth is transposed, it becomes completely false. Every situation God calls you to is not going to be convenient or even fun. The people in your life are not always going to add to you or make you feel good. God is going to call you to things that are not going to bring you peace or joy at times. If you doubt that, take a long look at the lives of the Biblical characters. The Christian life is not meant to be a cake walk. It's not about us; it's about Him! 

We are to be set apart!

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2