The Truth

Winston Churchill once said, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.”  This is not only true in physical and material matters, but it is often true spiritually as well.

When Jesus came to earth He was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.  Over 300 statements are made by the Ancient Oracles regarding the Messiah.  Yet, John records, “he came unto his own and his own received him not” (Jn. 1:11).

When Jesus was on trial for his life he told  Pilate that everyone “who is of the truth, hears my voice” (Jn. 18:37).  The Roman Ruler could only sarcastically ask, “What is truth?”

Jesus was the embodiment of God’s truth in the flesh (Jn. 1:14).  He later said, “I am the way the truth and the life. No man can come to the Father except through Me (Jn. 14:6).  Yet, most of the Jews missed it and so did Pilate.

Jesus said “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (Jn. 8:32).  The truth can liberate us from the shackles of sin  and servitude to Satan.  But how can I know the truth?  How can I be sure?  Like Pilate, I may wonder, “what is truth?”

We live in an age of relativism.  It is a philosophy that says what is truth for one person may not be truth for another.  Truth, they say, depends on situations and circumstances.  Truth is fluid and flexible, This philosophy says “there are no absolutes,” which ironically sounds a bit like an absolute, doesn’t it?

If there are no absolutes then “it doesn’t matter what you do or believe, as long as you’re honest and sincere.”  This is a convenient notion, because it lowers the bar, so I can clear it.  It removes guilt.  Nothing, no matter how absurd or bizarre, is wrong.  Choice becomes god.

Relativism is not the answer.  Jesus prayed to the Father and said, “sanctify them through your Word, your word is truth (Jn. 17:17).  God’s Word, His Will, His divine revelation is truth.

It is the truth that touches hearts, changes lives and provides man a basis on which he can successfully live his life.  Our problem today is the same as when Paul wrote regarding the Gentile world.  They suppressed the truth.  They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature instead of the Creator.  As a result they developed a  debased mind, lived a depraved life, and dishonored both themselves and God. (Rom 1:18-25) That’s what happens when we deny the truth.

Young people, don’t reject the truth as outdated and old-fashioned.  Parents, don’t be afraid to tell your kids the truth.  Preachers, preach the truth! Shepherds guide your flock in the way of truth. Sincere seeker, receive the truth.  Welcome it into your heart.  Allow it to effectively work in your life.

Our culture would do well to heed the counsel of the ancient wise man: “buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov 23:23).

—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman