Here’s the truth about Truth: real truth never changes. It can be painfully harsh or beautifully consistent, but it does not change. Ever. Our understanding of truth can be broadened. We may discover something we once believed was in fact wrong, but the truth was there the whole time… we just had to be able to see it. A great danger I see emerging in our culture is the flexibility of truth. Right and wrong are fluid concepts that vary from person to person. It seems the only truths people cling to are those which promise comfort or remove personal accountability.
Here are a few observations God has given me about truth:
* God is the source of all truth. Not religion. Not those who claim to be holy but exhibit greed and a self-serving attitude; God himself reveals truth to us through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.
* Truth is a measurable metric. No matter what your field of study, core truths do not change. 2+2=4; The sun rises in the East; The Earth revolves around the sun; Truths such as these are the one on which we build our societies, knowledge, science, etc. Spritual truths are no different. There is only one God, everyone has sinned, Jesus is the only way to God. While you are free to form your own opinions on all things spiritual, you must understand – your opinion may very well be wrong.
* Truth does not change based on our feelings. I may be able to logically or emotionally rationalize my actions, however, if they’re wrong they’re wrong, even if I can explain them away. It’s time to stop making excuses for our actions and take responsibility for what we do. Even when it’s difficult. Even when it doesn’t fit into our preferred world view.
* Truth=Love. As people were are supposed to speak truth to each other in love. If we get this out of balance the truth is skewed. If all we focus on is truth without love, we become legalistic, prideful, judgemental. Truth becomes harsh and abrasive, pushing people away from God. Conversely, if all we focus on is love, the truth is brushed aside and sin is condoned in the name of love. Jesus is our example of how to love someone while you disagree/deal with their actions.
Make a commitment today to open your mind to the possibility that what you believe about the world might be wrong. Look for truth, because God promises that if you seek him out he will be found.