Day Eight: The Nature of Truth

Culture is created by humans, based on their actions or inactions, stemming from their beliefs about what is true. Your perspective changes your capacity to comprehend truth. Therefore, the nature of truth is paramount to the forming of culture and our perception of it!

As you seek to discover what is behind your own beliefs, the beliefs of others, and various issues in the world today, it is helpful to ask questions about the nature of truth, such as, “Is truth relative or absolute?” and “How do we reconcile ourselves to the truth?”

Truth is a hot topic in society, particularly the widespread notion that each person has their “own truth.” Is this possible? Can truth be individual? The answer is no. We can all have opinions, experiences, viewpoints, and beliefs that are valid and personal to us. However, if everyone’s perspective is true, then universal truth does not exist.

If we believe truth is relative, then life cannot have absolutes, and our choices and behavior have no boundaries. A culture without absolute truth lacks clarity and, ultimately, results in chaos.

As Christians, we believe truth is absolute and revealed to us in the Scriptures. It is both conceptual (in principles) and relational (as embodied in Jesus Christ); truth is, therefore, a concrete concept AND a person who can be known!

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” —John 14:6

The Scriptures give us the blueprint for discovering truth: It comes directly through God. In fact, the whole purpose of Jesus’ human existence on earth was to reveal the truth of who He is and who we are in relation to Him.

God gives us free will so we can choose whether to believe what He says about both Himself and us. Truth's validity is not contingent upon our agreement with it. Ultimate truth applies to all people, jurisdictions, and areas of life, regardless of whether we recognize or accept it.

Truth is revealed through the Scripture, through Christ, and through people God sovereignly brings into our lives. Our feelings are relevant, but that doesn’t mean they are in line with the truth. Supreme truth is objective and applicable regardless of our belief in it or feelings about it. How often are we tempted to reject truth because it clashes with our underlying beliefs or feelings?

We all must ask ourselves, “Am I living by MY truth or THE truth?” Ultimate fulfillment and health come through knowing Christ and embracing the truth embodied in Him. From this foundation, we can engage in meaningful, authentic conversations with others, rooted in truth and love.

Thought of the Day: The nature of truth is revealed through Jesus. He is the truth and can only speak the truth.