In today’s culture, we encounter a variety of perspectives, opinions, and ideologies. Many people have shifted from seeking the absolute truth to searching for a personalized version of truth. It’s not uncommon to hear someone speak in terms of “my truth.” As Christians, we are called to a higher standard, one that is rooted in the love of truth as defined by God, not the world.
Truth has become a scarce commodity in today’s world. The cultural dialogue is filled with conflicting voices, each claiming their own version of truth. This shift is reflected in societal questions and movements, such as Pride Month, which celebrates a characteristic God explicitly condemns: pride. Proverbs 8:13 states, “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I [the Lord] hate.”
These days, lies and deceptions abound, leading many into bondage rather than freedom. Look at every major lie that is being pushed today. Without being angry or casting judgment, take a look at the proponents of these lies. Do they look free? Do they look happy? Do they look filled with peace and joy? You don’t have to have the gift of discernment to see there’s no freedom there–only tension and anxiety and an attempt to find fulfillment in the lies of the enemy. Scripture says that, when Satan lies, he speaks his native tongue. It imprisons people.
When we shift from God’s definition of truth to personal truths, we miss truth entirely. Truth must be true for all people at all times and not based on the conditions or circumstances of each person’s life.
How and where do we find a reliable, unchanging source of truth?
God is Truth
We, as humans, are prone to lying. God, however, is the opposite. He embodies absolute truth. As Paul writes in Titus 1:1-2, “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.”
God’s nature is truth, and He cannot lie. This foundational truth calls us to worship Him “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
Jesus is Truth
Jesus doesn’t merely teach truth. He doesn’t ask us to rest in His principles, precepts, teaching or His plan for your life. He is truth. Jesus declares in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate testimony of God’s truth. He did exactly what He said He’d do, proving His reliability. Believing in Jesus means embracing the truth He represents and the salvation He offers.
The Holy Spirit is Truth
Upon His ascension, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. John 16:13-14 says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
The Holy Spirit, part of the Triune God, speaks only what He hears from the Father and the Son, ensuring that the truth we receive is pure and unaltered. If you have a relationship with Christ and are born again, the Holy Spirit of God lives in you. If you ask the Spirit to guide you and help you to be truthful, God is faithful and will send the Spirit to guide you.
The Word is Truth
God’s Word, the Bible, is an unchanging and reliable source of truth. This is why your pastor instructs you to read your Bible. It’s not to reduce your Christian life to a checklist. It’s to get your mind wrapped around the truth.
Jesus affirmed this when He said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The Bible is a steadfast guide that not only reveals truth but also has the power to transform and liberate us. Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we arm ourselves with the truth needed to navigate the complexities of life.
Living in the Truth
Our world bombards us with information, much of it conflicting and confusing. With smartphones at our fingertips, the line between truth and falsehoods is very thin and ever-present. Without a firm foundation, even the most discerning minds can struggle to differentiate truth from lies. This is why starting with The Word is crucial. It provides a reliable foundation that helps filter the messages we receive daily through the lens of Scripture.
God does not expect us to discern and live by the truth in our own strength. Instead, He has given us the Holy Spirit, who dwells within every believer, to guide and empower us. If we seek the Spirit’s guidance and commit to living truthfully, God is faithful to lead us.
Evidence that someone is a true Christ-follower is a love for God’s truth. By turning to God, embracing Jesus, heeding the Holy Spirit, and immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can confidently know and live in the truth. This truth not only sets us free but also equips us to navigate and influence a world desperate for real, unchanging truth.
