Truth

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “you are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:37 (NIV)

What is the truth? I want the Lord to teach me how to love the truth, and not accept any lie, no matter how tantalizing or pleasurable it may feel. I don’t want to stand for what feels good, but for what is good.

Standing for truth comes in practical ways, such as being honest about everything. Those standing for what’s right shouldn’t be ashamed of being transparent with others who may challenge them.

A great way to indicate whether or not you are living in truth is to ask ourselves if there is anything you do in the shadows that you don’t want anyone to know about. If there is, and if you are scared of people seeing that secretive act, how terrifying will the day of judgment be when you stand before God who will pierce the depths of your soul and judge righteously?

The summation of a truthful heart is this: “God, your ways are perfect, and I am the one that needs to change. Change me Lord.”

And when you start desiring and acting on truth, the most amazing thing happens. You start to love cops (police officers), and obeying your authorities becomes a joy. I’m not communicating brain-dead submission, and I’m not talking about going out of your way to please your boss. I speak of consciously loving what’s right and doing what’s right.You’re still a free thinker, and everything that comes your way must be examined carefully. A person who stands for the truth is not intimidated by questions, and is not afraid to admit that they don’t know everything.

Cultural values may fluctuate, and what people are expected to do and think may change over time, but I feel that the Lord wants to train us to always do what’s right, not what’s expected of us.