Truth
Lou Tiscione, Pastor, Weatherford Presbyterian Church (PCA)
It’s that time again when the truth is assaulted. People are told that we are really doing better. The border is closed. We are more secure than ever before. Whether these lies are told intentionally or out of a lack of desire to check out what actually is the reality cannot be easily determined.
This is a troubling situation in our culture. Troubling is an understatement. Further troubling in that most don’t seem to care whether they are told the truth or not. It is even more troubling to see this condition in the evangelical church. Many Christians express a frequent unawareness of the truth. Many live with the philosophy that the truth is irrelevant.
Every genuine Christian professes to believe in the One who is the way, the truth, and the life. Yet, behavior in the church bears evidence that most live in opposition to the ultimate reality, truth. Surveys done indicate that the behavior of Christians mirror the behavior of those outside of the church.
Too many in the church have adopted the philosophy of secular humanism, maintaining that there are no absolutes. Yet, these same Christians will declare that secular humanism is godless. If you think that this is confused thinking, you’re right. It is confused because it is illogical. It is not only illogical, but it is a hazardous way to live.
There are many biblical texts that emphasize the absolute standard of God’s word, which is always true and reliable. Amos 7:8 says, “The LORD said, ‘Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them; the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.’”
The plumb line that God showed Amos was the word of God. This vision prefigured the coming Messiah. Jesus is the standard, the plumb line. He said that He is the truth (John 14:6).
Concerning our public environment, the “culture of lying” that surrounds us should come as no surprise to Christians.
Jesus gave His assessment of mankind. He said, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil” (John 3:19).
Men and women will always seek to hide the truth so as to keep their evil deeds from the light of day. The Apostle Paul wrote this, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”
Truth is important and men lie. So, what are men and women of integrity to do? Jesus taught His disciples that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6).
I believe that truth in the public sphere is a necessity. I also believe that those who are people of integrity have a responsibility to expect our leaders to tell the truth. The starting place is close to home. Jesus said, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes” or ‘No;’ anything more than this comes from evil” (Matthew 5:37). Individuals of integrity are the starting point, especially those who profess faith in the risen Lord Jesus.
We should look for men and women who speak the truth, especially those who ask for our vote. Truth matters and it matters profoundly and is absolute.
A few years ago, the mantra by the relativists was, “character doesn’t matter.” We continue to learn how far off that principle is from the ideals of our country. Respect is lost because world leaders see what is put forth as leadership.
We are living in a critical time. Our nation is at a crossroad. Truth is one way and error another. Error and lies will only lead to disaster. Jesus said that the truth will set you free. We stand for freedom. In order to represent freedom, we must be seen as truthful. To be seen as truthful, our leaders must be men and women who know that there is absolute truth. Those who do should be held accountable to live what they profess. Those whose past behavior reveals that they are relativists should be avoided by a people desiring truth.
My prayer is that all men and women would see the danger of selecting form over substance. May we all seek to live having a foundation built upon truth. It ultimately and profoundly matters.
