Seems like its been
awhile since we discussed the topic of “truth” so I thought I’d revisit the
subject today. In doing so we’re going to talk about what “truth” is and what it
isn’t. Old Pilate said a mouthful when he asked that question, didn’t
he?
Of course, one of the
things adding impetus to our lesson today is the on-going (and seemingly never
ending) political speeches and debates being reported on by our candidates for
President. Let me just state right up front that we cannot take anything
they say or promise as “truth.” I’m not even sure that they know what “truth” actually is.
What’s expedient is “truth”
to them.
I’ve said this before
and I’ll say it again, someone lying to me upsets me probably more than just
about anything else they can do to me. I think that I’d rather they stole
something from me than to lie to me. And especially if it’s a business
doing the lying. I guess that they think that I just fell off of a turnip
truck and will believe whatever they feel is convenient to tell me.
I would say that a
portion of the classified ads in our newspapers would be a classic example of “untruth.” They used
to call these ads the “900 Message Center” or they’re sometimes referred to as
the “personals.” You’ve seen them I’m sure. It’s where people place
an ad in the paper in order to find a mate or companion or, in the popular
vernacular of the day, a “significant other.”
Why I’m mentioning those
advertisements as examples of “untruth”
is because the person placing them is describing themselves to the readers and
I love the way they go about doing that. But, think about this
first. These ads tell me that here is a person that has apparently struck
out in all other avenues of finding a suitable companion so that they’re
reduced to putting themselves on display in, shall we say, the “mate market.”
If you’ve ever bothered
to read any of these ads you’ve probably noticed the same things that I
have. That all the women advertising themselves for partners are, in
appearance, either: beautiful, pretty, good-looking, shapely or
attractive. As to their character, they are: affectionate, romantic,
passionate, personable, playful and adorable. They declare that they are:
witty, articulate, classy, bubbly, exciting or intelligent.
Now not just women are
looking for companionship by advertisements. There is also a “men’s”
section and, if you read how they describe themselves, you’ll find that they
are all: good-looking, athletic, trim or handsome. And they too are:
affectionate, lovable, caring, adventurous, romantic, strong, sincere &
sensuous.
The first thing that
comes to my mind upon reading these self-described evaluations is, why are they
having trouble finding mates? You’d think that they would have to be
fighting off people trying to date them, wouldn’t you? In all of these
personal ads I didn’t find one ugly, fat, skinny or even just an average
run-of-the-mill person.
With that said, I can
only draw two conclusions from these types of ads. Either there is a
giant conspiracy in this area against the beautiful and perfect people or,
maybe, just maybe, these advertisers are not portraying themselves “truthfully.” Is it
possible that the “truth”
might be something else?
Well, there’s are couple
of good examples of what ISN’T the “truth”
so lets turn our attention to what IS the “truth.”
And you know what the sad thing is about “truth?”
That many times people don’t like hearing it. And that is not only true
in today’s world, but was true clear back in ancient Israel’s time.
Isaiah tells us about how the Israelites didn’t like hearing the “truth,” the “law of the Lord.”
They wanted to hear “smooth
things” even though they knew them to be deceits. (Isa.
30:9-10)
No, people want to hear
something that’s “convenient”
to them. That fits with what they want to hear. Paul warned Timothy
in 2 Tim. 4:3 that the “time
will come” when people won’t want to hear “the truth” (“sound doctrine”).
That they will find teachers who will, metaphorically speaking, “scratch their itching ears.”
Will teach and preach to them “smooth”
or “convenient”
things.
When it comes right down
to it, the “Truth”
is what our duty as Christians is all about. First, we obey the “truth” and then we are
commanded to take that “truth”
to the rest of the world. And that “truth”
is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (John 17:17).
Yes, it’s a fact that
there exists a lot of “untruths”
in our temporal world today and that is a sad state of affairs. But even
sadder is the fact that there also exists a lot of “untruths” in the religious or spiritual
world. Why that is “sadder” is because, unlike temporal “untruths,” the spiritual
ones can destroy us for eternity.
And, one more little
thought here: contrary to popular belief, there are no degrees of lying just as
there are no degrees of “truth.”
A lie is a lie and the “truth”
is always the “truth.”
Plus, there are rewards for both the “truthful”
and the “liar.”
John 17:17 says that we’re “sanctified
(saved) by the truth” and Rev. 21:8 reveals what the reward is for “all liars.” Read that
verse and then tell me if you think that finding a companion or being elected
to a high office is worth it.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Covey
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