The Power of Truth
We are very familiar with the phrase “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God” and what it implies. The message is that what is said in a court of law is the truth and even more so before our Holy God. If we don’t tell the truth, we are guilty of what is called perjury and, if so, we are in trouble.
The “truth” I’m talking about isn’t on TV because this “truth” doesn’t sell a lot of ads. There’s something within us (not a good “something”) that enjoys the rumor mill. It tickles our ears. Most of what we hear in the media is less than facts and reality. A few reputable websites are my “go to” in a short amount of time. Then I can move on with my day.
Our culture used to gather the news in an hour of evening viewing. Now, the news appears differently on each channel. And, for those of us living in Texas, there is no reason for a ten-day weather forecast. If the meteorologist were completely truthful, they would put a question mark on everything past the third day. Reporting weather in this state should be done by saying, “My best guess is:”
Aw! Good NEWS is what we have in scripture that provides an important message for everyone. The TRUTH of God’s Word transcends any news source every time. So then, isn’t learning TRUTH what we should be craving and consuming?
Remember when Jesus appeared to John on the Island of Patmos and said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5). Aw! Truth….and nothing but the truth! Best. News. Ever. We own that truth because Jesus told John to write it down for us.
I rarely listen to the news. I dread the “ugly” of another day of violence, political drama, and negativity. Why should we worry about a new disease when we know that life in this world is just a temporary journey home? Do we care more about the disease causing death, or about the fact that some of those dying might not live forever?
Herein lies God’s truths — God’s Word about the TRUTH that sets us free:
** “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)
** “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11)
** “If you abide in my word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Scripture always tells the truth. The question is: “What are we doing about the TRUTH that we know is ours?” Does the news cause us concern for ourselves or for those who don’t know the TRUTH? Our truth could change the course of someone’s life. Shouldn’t we be attending to our own TRUTH?
We have the “sound teaching” that the Apostle Paul was talking about. He told us the time was coming, and it came. All Scriptures, including that one, are true. That’s good news!
The mission is ours. Will we be able to share the TRUTH of God’s Word with someone this week? I’m praying that all of us will look forward to our opportunities to share TRUTH with others. But then, God always intended for that job to belong to His kids anyway.
“And, you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH will set you free!” (John 8:32)