Each week at our local Rotary club meeting, we start off by reciting the Rotary Club International’s “Four Way Test,” describing how we should interact with each other. The first statement declares, “Is it the truth?” A few years ago, I led a session encouraging people to examine their basis of truth for their lives, because unless we all agreed on what is truth, that statement cannot have any impact. I was then able to share on why my foundation for truth, Scripture, can be trusted, relied on, and has stood the test of time.
For many today “truth” is the news headline they read, the post they skim, the rhetoric that they hear. Truth for some becomes the “political party line,” the neighborhood gossip, the email chain, the text sent, the favorite news channel watched. Truth, its seeking, and discerning has become a casualty in our culture, sequestered to outer limits of our attention, rather than drawn into the center of our deliberations, decisions, and actions. It is much easier to repeat a claim that declares itself to be “truthful” than do the hard work of careful, honest exploration of a claim- and then standing up when that claim has been found wanting, or standing up when that truth has been found to be validated. No human institution has the corner or the monopoly on truth, because all represent imperfect human creations created by imperfect humans. All those who are not careful investigators, and upholders of truth can fuel destructive conversations, events, emotions, and relationships.
We need to remember that only God Himself holds all truth perfectly. As followers of Jesus Christ we are to be people of truth. Jesus Himself says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” and again, “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” The ability to seek, discern and practice truth is becoming a lost ability not only within our culture, but for some followers of Jesus as well. We are called to allow God’s truth to be the first source of the foundations of our lives. God’s truth should be our first foundation which informs and shapes our understanding of culture, and by which all other claims are examined.
Truth is a characteristic of God’s character. As we seek and apply His truth, it should lead us to a better understanding and application of all his other characteristics, which include, but are not limited to grace, mercy and love. Living those attributes, empowered by His Spirit, lived in His community of faith should bring us closer together. Jesus Himself said, “They will know you are my disciples by your love for one another.” Love and truth are equal partners, not competitors with God. God calls us to be the place where we model relationships that those outside the church look to and say, “That’s what I’m looking for in my life and my world.”
All our Leadership Team want to ask each of us that as we come into this new year may we re-commit ourselves as followers of Jesus to be people who seek and follow truth, starting with God’s truth in our lives. To be diligent in our study, faithful in its obedience, and grace-filled in its application.
It is my hope and prayer that as we move into this year, we see God’s hand at work to bring healing for many that is desperately needed. Jeremiah 29 says, “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7).
God’s truth brings healing. Healing in our relationship with Him, and with others. May we commit to be His servants, empowered by Jesus in all the opportunities He places before us.
Pastor Kevin