Truth: Discovered or Decided?
In today’s world, the very concept of truth seems to be constantly changing. From social media to everyday conversations, we often hear phrases like "my truth" and "your truth", implying that truth is only subjective and personal, shaped by individual preferences and interpretations rather than rooted in objective reality. This relativistic approach can leave us feeling disoriented, like sailors lost at sea without a compass, unable to find direction amidst the shifting tides of culture.
But what if truth isn’t something we create or decide for ourselves, but something we discover? What if truth is not fluid and ever-changing but steadfast and eternal? This is the perspective the Bible offers - a view that presents truth not as a malleable concept, but as an unchanging reality, a firm foundation on which we can build our lives. In an era of uncertainty, this biblical view of truth provides stability, clarity, and hope.
The Bible's Unwavering Stance on Truth
The Bible speaks with unwavering clarity about the nature of truth. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth". This verse and many others highlight a foundational principle: truth is not something we conjure up; it is grounded in the very nature of God and revealed through His Word.
While the world may tell us that truth is relative, the Bible insists on its absolute, objective nature. Proverbs 12:19 reminds us, "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment". Here, the Bible again reveals that truth has an enduring quality, a permanence that transcends the fleeting opinions and trends of any given era. In an age where perspectives shift as quickly as new trends emerge, isn’t it reassuring to know that some truths endure forever?
The Implications of an Objective Truth
Embracing the biblical understanding of truth has many implications for how we live our lives:
Cultivating Humility. If truth is something we discover, not decide, it demands humility. We are not the ultimate arbiters of truth but humble seekers, acknowledging that our understanding is always incomplete. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers this guidance: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight". This verse challenges us to recognise that true wisdom comes from seeking God’s truth, not relying solely on our limited perspectives.
Creating Unity. An unchanging truth transcends cultural, temporal, and personal boundaries. It provides common ground for all humanity - a shared reality that creates understanding and unity amidst our diversity. Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus". When we accept that God’s truth applies to all people, regardless of background, it becomes a source of unity in a divided world. Consider how differently our conversations and debates would go if we all operated from the same foundation of truth; would we experience more harmony and understanding?
Navigating Ethical Debates and Public Discourse. The notion that truth is objective and eternal is not only relevant in the spiritual realm but also in everyday life. Consider discussions around ethics, justice, or morality; what happens when each person defines truth differently? We see confusion in public discourse when what is true depends on personal preference. Without a shared understanding of truth, accountability and justice crumble. When truth is subjective, ethics become relative, and the foundation for justice is undermined. Objective truth offers a consistent standard, ensuring fairness and justice for all.
Embracing Responsibility. Recognising that truth exists independently of our opinions also places a responsibility on us to align ourselves with it. Truth and falsehood coexist in our world; we are not only rationally bound to distinguish between them, but morally obligated to seek and uphold that which is true. Romans 12:2 encourages us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will". Embracing objective truth means we don’t simply follow trends or cultural shifts, but seek alignment with God’s eternal Word so that our lives reflect the truth we’ve come to know.
Finding Hope and Stability. In a world awash with uncertainty and change, the idea of an unchanging truth offers stability and hope. Imagine navigating life with the assurance that, no matter what shifts around us, God’s truth remains constant. Hebrews 6:19 describes this hope as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure". In times of chaos, when everything seems to be in flux, God’s truth provides a solid foundation to cling to.
The Call to Seek and Embrace Truth
While culture chases after fleeting trends, the biblical concept of truth points us to a different source of stability. It calls us to ground ourselves not in our own subjective experiences, nor in the ever-shifting currents of popular opinion, but in the unchanging nature of God Himself; this truth provides an unshakeable foundation for our lives.
In embracing God's truth, we discover not only stability and hope but also the very essence of life itself, as revealed in Christ, "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). In my own life, I’ve found that embracing God’s truth has provided stability in moments of confusion; in those times when everything around me was unpredictable, I could rest in the knowledge that God’s Word remains steadfast.
So, is truth something we discover or decide? If we believe it is discovered, then our task is to seek it earnestly, aligning our lives with it even when it challenges our assumptions or comforts. If we decide truth for ourselves, we risk building our lives on shifting sands, vulnerable to every wave of opinion and cultural change.
We would all do well to reflect on where we seek truth: are we drawing from the transient opinions of culture, or are we grounding our lives in the immutable truth of God’s Word? Today there is so much confusion, but God's truth offers a reliable compass - anchored in His sure and certain promises!
Dive deeper into this topic - read my previous blog series 'True Truth' by clicking here