John 8: 31-32 (NRSV)
Can we handle the truth? Especially when that truth is measured against the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ? To walk in biblical truth while living in a postmodern world will be a major challenge for believers as we enter into this second decade of the 21st century.
With all the political rhetoric and social bantering, it is clear that this world is in need of truth. But can we handle it? Behind the news bytes and sound bits, there is an intention movement currently underway to redefine what truth is and what it isn’t. This is nothing new. This inclination to “repackage” the truth comes directly from the father of lies, Satan himself (John 8:44). Be careful how you define truth or you too may fall prey to the subtly of deception. “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” (Gen. 3:1, NLT)
In decades past, people could depend on the media to communicate the “truth” with regard to specific issues of the day. Newspapers, magazine publications and newscasters were committed to operate at the highest ethical standards. In addition, people could depend on their local leaders—civic or religious—to offer truth, as they knew best. But over time that has changed. Unfortunately both media and individuals can only offer their own opinions based on personal agendas or corporate bias, leaving individuals still “in search for truth”. Truth is now shaped by social media and image consultants—by the number of “likes”, “retweets” and “followers” one can amass.
What is truth? Truth is defined as that which agrees with reality. The believer’s reality and meaning is grounded in God. That reality began in the Garden of Eden. Created in God’s image, our purpose and destiny is tied to our identity in Him through Christ (Col. 3:3). This reality was sidetracked by sin and replaced with Satan’s counterfeit that placed self on the throne where only Christ was to be seated and exalted. Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross, our sins were forgiven and we are now reconciled back to God (2 Cor. 5:18, 19). When we affirm our faith, we acknowledge that we have died to our old sin nature (Gal. 5:24) and walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). We no longer follow the worldview—its influence was negated by the Blood. Our meaning and reality is now realigned with God (2 Cor. 5:15). “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a).
More than ever before, believers must connect with the only True Source of Truth, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 14:6). God’s Word and the Spirit of Truth stand ready to silence the lies, myths and fables we might hear (2 Tim. 4:3-4). God is the only source of truth for our lives. Can you handle the truth?