DEFINITIONS TAKEN FOR GRANTED

TRUTH is the way things really are, the way things really were and the way things really will be.

FAITH is a measurement of our internal motivation to do the Will of God.  It is not a Belief despite that common misuse of the word.  It is an attitude regarding the desire to understand and actually do that which God would have an individual do with the circumstances that God has placed the individual in. 

BELIEF is an idea or concept we think is real or true according to our perception thus far, but it has not been verified or proven to be reality.  It is a Theory or Hypothesis. Naturally it will appear to be True, otherwise we would not hold it as a Belief.  However, it is not necessarily True.  Two basic attitudes form our Beliefs.  One is Curiosity which fuels our desire to learn more and it is likened to a little child who is willing to consider or entertain new Beliefs that are presented despite the absurdity of the new idea to others.  The other is Humility which requires that we are willing to recognize our capacity to make mistakes and let go of Beliefs that are shown to be false as we receive new information.  Maintaining these two attitudes is required to continue learning and growing.   

KNOW (KNOWLEDGE) is the information, data or evidence an individual has personally received, collected or assembled in their efforts to determine what is real.  This information is verifiable by others by repetition of the same circumstances to receive the same experience.  Quite often through out history, what is KNOWN has been overthrown by additional information or a new perspective.  More often than not, that which is KNOWN can be relegated back to that which is mere BELIEF by additional information.  We would be wise to avoid lumping anything permanently into the KNOW category in our present mortal circumstances in which we suffer from a limited perspective. 

WISDOM is the practical application of Knowledge to produce the greatest benefit possible in the long term and for the greater whole.

TESTIMONY is the relating or telling of the First Hand, Eye-Witness account an individual has experienced.

WITNESS is an individual who has First Hand, actual experience regarding a matter that is set before the people for examination and inquiry.

GOD is that force or intelligence that knows all things, has power over all things, and created all things. 

 [END DEFINITION] [No, really that is the END of the definition.  Don’t add anything more to it than that. We’ll talk about why. In fact, as these blog posts progress, we will consider each of these definitions in more detail and discuss why a correct understanding is necessary for each word]