The Metamorphosis of Truth

People can stay in an environment of truth and not be affected by the truth; ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. Mind renewal process goes beyond the mere accumulation of information. It is the entrance of the word that gives enlightenment and understanding to the simpleton. The truth must be given an opening in the very core of our souls to make meaningful impact, else our state would be nothing short of the beggar at the 'beautiful gate' and yet without even the foretaste of that beauty.

It takes the attitude of meekness to be open to truth, to be sincere about our state to let the truth X-ray our nuances and intents. Only when the truth finds humble acceptance in our 'hearts' can it be engrafted in us and then our 'salvation' would have started. Acceptance is followed by consciousness and emphasis. Consciousness and emphasis intensify the impact of renewal. Beyond knowledge accumulation then, is the inclination toward what is true. Inclination births meditation and then comes the volition to respond to truth.

The process of inclination begins with cognitive exposure to the truth—the point of mental awareness, reinforced by a mental appreciation of the truth. Just being aware won't do. We must engage the truth and establish how it applies to us and why indeed it is needful. Then comes the emotional inclination to the truth. We move from the level of awareness and appreciation to the emotional processing of truth. We become passionate about it. This is no more about what I am told or what I heard but what I feel about what I have heard. Here, there is a solid motivation to hold on to the truth. Next is the volitional inclination to the truth. Passion births resolve. This is where conviction is formed. Conviction is the composite of passion and resolve. At this point, one becomes resolute about the truth—and surely with resolve comes action.

It is action that espouses the impact of truth. Every other component in the process is intrinsic, but the corresponding action to truth, embeds the extrinsic value of the change the truth effectuates in the soul. Yes, we know that He works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure— but not without working out our salvation with fear and trembling by the furtive appropriation of the truth we encounter.