Truth. What is truth? Why is truth important? What role does it play in the health and stability of our relationships and the functioning of government and other entities on which we depend? Today’s post is a reminder of why truth is important and an introduction to some life-changing truths that will follow in the weeks ahead.

Why this series, this subject, why now? Because truth is vital to living well and to healthy relationships. And, there is evidence there is a concerted effort to replace foundational truths with lies.  

Because this is such an important subject, let me share a definition, and my understanding of the meaning of the word “truth.” The following is what I mean when I use this word. Truth is ” the quality or state of being true; that which is true or by fact or reality” https://www.google.com/search?q=truth&rlz=1C1GCEB_enUS984US984&oq=truth&aqs=chrome.0.69i59l2j0i20i131i263i433i512j0i433i512l2j69i6.

Without truth, our marriages, friendships, and all meaningful relationships and transactions get messed up. We are also dependent upon news agencies to be impartial in the way they report on events and political figures that affect our lives. Sadly, lots of what we get is a “spin” to contort facts to suit a political agenda. Just tell us the truth. 

 You and I need accurate information to guide us in making wise decisions. While the truth is often hard to hear, I want my doctor, my financial advisor, my dentist, my auto mechanic, my repair people, my wife, my friends, my family, and news reporters  to “tell me like it is.” Think about the following question for a moment.

Have any of these relationships just mentioned changed in your life because of a lack of honesty? 

 Have you stopped using certain services or are you considering a change because you are losing trust in that person or service?

 Trust is one of the most, if not the most, important issue in all relationships. Do people “keep their word,” do they act consistently with what they say, do they attempt to give the straight of things, the best they understand it?

The Pew Research Center gives a dismal view of Americans’ trust in our elected leaders; believing the majority of them seek office for personal gain. The present administration’s numbers are near a record low. Why? Trust is not there. Why? Because people don’t believe they are getting a “spin” on reality.  https://www.pewresear ch.org/politics/2022/06/06/americans-views-of-government-decades-of-distrust-enduring-support-for-its-role/

Before we jump to the conclusion that politicians are the sole source of the problem, let’s spread the guilt around a little, maybe even look in the mirror, and remember where we may fudge a bit or indulge in some of those “little white lies.”

Have we become so accustomed to lies that we just naturally discount what someone says because we just don’t trust them anymore? This is a sad state of affairs as a nation and as an individual.

It seems we have become so used to lies that we are becoming a society that no longer expects the truth, but is moving toward a position of denial there is such a thing as absolute truth. Many believe reality is whatever they say it is. This way, I become the arbiter and final judge of what is true and what is not. For example, if a biological male thinks or says he is the opposite sex that is a fact, the truth for him. Crazy times!

What is truth? Truth is something that corresponds to reality. To claim that I am something or someone I am not doesn’t make it true. Why? Because the facts do not align with what I am claiming to be. Truth is what is consistent with what God says truth is. God, not man, has the final word about what is and is not true.

Absolute truth is a fact that applies to everyone, in every situation, all the time. The Bible teaches that ” all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” It also says that the “payment for sin is death.” “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved” is another fact that lines up with reality, God’s Word.

You have a choice about reality, you can take it or leave it. You can embrace it or deny it. What you decide to do with it doesn’t change reality, but it does change you. But, you must do something with the truth. And, we suffer the dire consequences of denying or distorting it or the blessing of freedom it brings when you commit to living by the truth. Jesus said, ” You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” Are you free?

Life is about choices. We can choose to seek the truth or we can choose to avoid it, deny it, distort it, or attempt to destroy it. The power and freedom it brings are available to us but we must choose to use it if it is to change us.

Here’s a simple illustration of what I mean. I have electricity in my house and sometimes there is enough light for me to safely travel to my loft without using the electricity available to me. Some mornings it is overcast and dark and I can hardly see my hand in front of my face. The reality is there are 15 steps somewhere in the dark and I need light to safely climb them. Another truth is I have electricity and there is a switch on the wall. I have a choice to make, really a no-brainer. The truth (electricity) is available but I need to believe it. By facing the truth I can turn on the light and avoid the risk of climbing those stairs in the dark. Truth, like electricity, does me no good unless I use it. 

The truths we will be considering in the coming weeks are the foundational biblical principles on which I have written my book, Heaven’s Currency.

These truths will change you if you believe and practice them. I encourage you to commit them to memory and say them to yourself every morning. Make them a part of your thinking and watch the change happen.

 1. God loves me and has a plan for my life.

 2. My life is a time-sensitive trust from God.

 3. I live in a two-world marketplace in which I invest every day.

 4. The choices I make determine my character, which in turn will determine my destiny.

 5. Wise choices will provide me with an abundant life now and a great return on my investments in heaven. 

 

Priceless wisdom is available now for the price of a pizza! Only $12.95.

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Something Extra. Some time ago I wrote a blog about how my Cuckoo clock reminds me of the importance of truth and accurate information. You may find this interesting, https://www.cosdavis.com/truth-is