Tidbits for Thought

TRUTH MATTERS

John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes the father except through me.”

The homespun writer and speaker, Mark Twain, lived in an era long before the internet, yet he once observed “A lie can go around the world before the truth can get it’s pants on.” It seems that lies can spread faster than the truth can rebut them, which makes truth very hard to recognize sometimes.

The fallen angel, Satan, introduced lies and untruth into the world when he deceived our first parents and, unfortunately, our ancestors learned the lesson well. Throughout the ages lies, conspiracy, deceptions and misdirection have been the effective tools of despots, dictators, con-artists, frauds, tyrants and oppressors of all kinds and today is no exception. We are exposed, on a daily basis, to a firehose of screaming lies, misinformation, name calling and conspiracy theories. The proliferation of the world wide web, social media and instant communication of all types has exacerbated a problem that has existed in one form or another since the beginning of civilization.

However. Christians are blessed with the beautiful fact that the bedrock of our belief is truth itself. Jesus identified himself as truth just as He stated that He was the way to everlasting life. Truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory, and being of God. Even more to the point: truth is the self-expression of God, who is love.

As Christians, it becomes our duty and calling to always speak the truth and, equally important, always speak out against untruth of any kind. The great American writer, William Faulkner, once wrote, “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty, and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the world.” Maybe we should take those words to heart and imitate Jesus when we are confronted with lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories…. whether from our neighbor, our friends, our associates or the highest officials in the land.

If each of us spoke out when we hear lies about the poor being lazy and uncaring, it might spark feelings of compassion instead of contempt, leading to programs that promote respect as well as assistance. If each of us would recognize and confront the untruths that are so wide spread about out immigrant neighbors, it might ignite a fire of outrage about the abysmal way they are being treated and lead to common sense immigration reform. If each of us would confront the unceasing lies about homelessness and addiction, it might turn contempt and indifference into positive action that could go a long way to help alleviate the problem. Jesus always spoke the truth in love and respect……… It is now our turn!!! Think about it!      ~ Aron Smith