Recently Robin was invited to write an article for publication by the National Alliance of Christian Leaders, which was distributed in early June. Their introduction reads:
“Our challenge is not simply to connect into the wider world, but to apply the salty savour of the word of Christ! People with scientific training will immediately recognise how clever is the abbreviation the National Alliance of Christian Leadership – NACL (sodium chloride).
Part of the Christian vocation to serve as salt and light in the world is to sensitively but forthrightly share the truth.
In this month’s guest article, Robin Johnson of ‘Beyond Here International’, urges us to never lose sight of the truth. I hope you will enjoy reading his attached contribution.”
The Truth about Truth
Robin J Johnson
For those of us who adhere to the Christian faith, professing to be followers of Jesus Christ, truth is the absolute founded on the entire Word of God; incorruptible and unchanging. We believe in and adhere to Christ’s teaching as revealed throughout the Word of God. Truth is the foundation on which our lives are built. There is no necessity for alteration or any change needed or an update required to make it relevant in a modern age.
Our faith is founded on truth that is to be reflected in our behaviour and interactions with others. The apostle Paul writes and instructs believers:
“Do not lie to one another” Colossians 3:9.
A sign of one now living a new life in Christ is a commitment to truth in our relationships. Furthermore, Paul likens lying to evil practices which we were once engaged in prior to salvation through Christ.
The truth about truth is that it never changes. This is truth; reality; something that is true at all times; is the absolute essence of a matter; it transcends all else; is always true regardless of time and circumstances; and is true for everyone, everywhere.
Today people are conditioned to believe what is half true or simply not true at all. Or some claim truth can be whatever you want it to be. Then there is the news media, which at times is loose with the truth. One time I was watching the evening news when a story came on about a situation involving a person I knew. The reporter twisted the facts to fit his narrative, making his report untrue. On more than one occasion I’ve said to my wife, sarcastically, “Why let the truth get in the way of a good story?”
In the world we find truth is often expendable and lying is common, especially when it comes to seeking a position of power and influence. This is a sad refection on the days in which we live. Whether it is the person lying on their resumé for a better job or a politician seeking re-election, integrity is often sacrificed for personal gain.
Growing up I remember an occasion when my mum said something that has influenced on me all these years. I certainly was not a believer through most of my childhood and most of my teenage years. I don’t remember the actual event or conversation which led up to her statement, but what she said had an impact. She told me, “Your father wouldn’t lie to save his own life.”
“It is not proper for a leader to lie and deceive,” Proverbs 17:7 (The Passion Translation)
Truth is the solid foundation, without which there is no integrity or lasting strength in a relationship. Once someone has lied to you it becomes difficult to continue to work with them. Obviously forgiveness has a role to play, but lies destroys trust. Once trust has been broken, it is difficult to repair. I am not saying it cannot be restored, but it is not easy.
As we read through the pages of the New Testament there is no doubt that truth is fundamental in both belief and practice. Speaking of our new life in Christ, created in righteousness and holiness of the truth, Paul says,
“What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.” Ephesians 4:25 (The Message)
The very foundation of life and the essence of every relationship, if it is to last, must be truth. I have sadly seen lives ruined because of a rejection of truth. When we reject and walk away from truth we do not step into a vacuum, rather you enter a place filled with misinformation and deception. Deception is the fruit when truth is rejected, as Paul noted in Romans 1:25.
It is imperative that our life and ministry is built on truth. Christian leaders must be careful not to be ensnared by the world and its values. Personal integrity must be most valued and protected. To build a life on truth we must be prepared to defend and uphold truth. As almighty God has stated:
“These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates. 17 Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate,’ declares the LORD.” Zechariah 8:16-17 (New American Standard Bible)
Writing about spiritual warfare the apostle Paul details the armour of God, which is provided for believers to stand firm in the battle. He begins by telling us to put on the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:10-14). In this illustration truth is the fundamental and pivotable starting point. Righteousness follows and is attached to and held in place by truth. For the Christian truth is the bedrock on which all doctrine and behaviour rests.
Therefore, not only should we live our own lives based on truth and speak truthfully with one another, but also we need to be prepared to defend the truth and ready to speak against the lies and deceptions so prevalent in society. It has been said that if you tell a lie often enough, eventually you will believe it. This is true individually and also throughout society. The following are some examples relevant today:
- A leading abortionist said, “We are providing a compassion service for women.” Lie; there is nothing compassionate for the women injured or the children killed before they are born.
- Gender is fluid, a person, so called, trapped in the wrong body can change their gender. Lie; a person’s birth gender cannot be changed.
- Same sex attraction and marriage is a normal sexual preference. Lie; sexual intimacy is designed to be experienced between a man and woman in a loving monogamous marriage.
Finally, one of the biggest lies is that these (mentioned above and others), are political issues and are conversations in which the church should not be involved. Is it the fact that many churches have neglected to be vocal in important areas and this has lead to the situation we have today? The truth has not been spoken or heard and the lies have taken root and now prevail.
The Psalmist asked the question,
“If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” Psalms 11:3 (NASB)
The foundations of truth remain stedfast and sure. However, unless we are prepared to stand and boldly speak truth, the lie will continue to find a dwelling place people’s in the hearts and minds, and in the church of the living God, which (the apostle Paul tells Timothy), is the supporting pillar and firm foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
My closing challenge is this. Are we preaching the whole counsel of God? Every aspect of the Good News of the Kingdom of God is important, but have many neglected crucial aspects out of fear, rejection or having our voice silenced? Instead let us say, as the apostle Paul declared, not once, but twice, as recorded in Acts 20:20 & 27 (New King James Version)
“I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you … I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”
Pivotal to our claim to be seekers and proclaimers of truth is that we, the church, teach each generation soundly and ensure that our lives reflect and demonstrate compassionate truth that brings freedom and empowers people to live well.
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