by Tim Salley
The information technology revolution has empowered the common man to have his voice and words heard on every topic from A-Z. A smart phone or tablet is all one needs to disseminate his or her own life, views and opinions on the Internet. However, not everything one reads or hears on the Internet is accurate nor should it be believed. Truth seems to be elusive today.
As a student of history, I learned the importance of obtaining the primary source when seeking the truth on something. Getting first-hand accounts is crucial in order to accurately understand people, times & events. Second hand sources are trustworthy to a point but critical information can be lost. Sources even further away from the original will encounter trouble with credibility.
On a daily basis, I scan many sources of information (social and otherwise) on the Internet. There are so many people saying so many things. I can’t read everything out there nor can I believe everything being said out there. But I still like to read quotes by famous people, the latest statistic on this and that, the news of the day, motivational quips and sports scores. In their own ways, these things can hold certain truths that can add some value to my life.
However, the primary source I turn to for absolute truth, inspiration, satisfaction, contentment and fulfillment in life is the Word of God. Therefore, I have established an acronym to remind me to look to the primary source. The acronym is, WIJS – What Is Jesus Saying?
In a world where almost anyone can have their voice heard, I hang onto the words of Jesus Christ. His words inspire, encourage and edify me the most. The words of Jesus are the most powerful. The words of Jesus are the most truthful. The words of Jesus bring the most healing and deliverance. The words of Jesus bring the most life, abundant and eternal!
I’m thankful and grateful that there have been many books, poems, essays and short stories written about the sayings and teachings of Jesus Christ. From centuries past, and to this current day, men and women have propagated the words of Jesus Christ in these ways. Many have benefited from reading the words of these people, including myself.
However, I maintain that the primary source is still the best route to accurately understand the truth about Jesus Christ and the truth about my life as a believer in Jesus Christ. That primary source remains The Word of God. WIJS – What Is Jesus Saying?
Jesus is saying – let My words remain in you. Jesus is saying – seek Me. Jesus is saying – find abundant & eternal life in Me. Jesus is saying – trust Me. Jesus is saying – obey My words. Jesus is saying so many things that will bless the listener and the implementer. The challenge is to wade through all the competing words and voices that come our way and to fix and focus our attention on what Jesus Christ is saying.
I am convinced that I must spend most of my time reading the RED letters – the words of Jesus Christ, the primary source. The world needs to see & hear from more people who have spent most of their time at the primary source.
WIJS – What Is Jesus Saying? Reading and listening to what other people say about Jesus can bring benefit. But lasting salvation, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, fulfillment and truth will only come as one goes directly to the primary source – the very words of Jesus Christ, the words in RED.
WIJS – What Is Jesus saying? And you shall know the truth and the Truth will set you free!!