What Is Truth

Webster, defines truth as: “the real state of things, …fact, actuality”. And, while we accept that definition as practical, it is interesting to note that philosophers have wrestled with the answer to this question from the beginning of recorded time with little consensus. Some believe that truth is man’s highest aspiration, and is to be sought after at all costs. Others have suggested that there is more than one truth, subject and relative to one’s own paradigm. And then there are those who declare that there is no such thing as truth.

The discussion of what truth is continues, but if we contemplate truth, not only as “the real state of things” but stipulate, for this discussion, that it is also a basis or standard by which we make judgments and decisions, we can gain additional perspective on issues that disturb us.

We began by highlighting certain philosophical concepts of truth because of their affect on mainstream thinking of today; for we see much of our system of values in the writings of celebrated thinkers of times past. For instance, Adam Smith, known as the father of modern economics wrote, “Every man, as long as he does not violate the laws of justice, is left perfectly free to pursue his own interest his own way, and to bring both his industry and capital into competition with those of any other man or order of men” (Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, 16^th Edition, Bartlett and Kaplan, p.326, from …Wealth of Nations). Thus today we experience a free, market driven, economy. Balance that against the writings of Niccolò Machiavelli who is generally credited with the concept of “the ends justifies the means”. Is it then so shocking that corporate corruption would rear its ugly head, valuing profit over any moral imperative?

Narrow your circle of thought, for a moment, to our personal existence and consider something written by Mohandas K. Ghandi. “I have no special revelation of God’s will. My firm belief is that He reveals Himself daily to every human being, but we shut our ears to the `still small voice’. We shut our eyes to the `pillar of fire’ in front of us.” (The Quotable Soul, Setzer, p. 97). Think about Ghandi’s words in light of what noted existentialist, John Paul Sartre said, “Man can will nothing unless he has first understood that he must count on no one but himself; that he is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth.” (Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, 16^th Edition, Bartlett and Kaplan, p.717, from Being and Nothingness, 1943). Lest we delude ourselves into thinking that existentialist philosophy is too far removed and cannot touch us, remember the final words of Timothy McVey , when he was about to be executed for the Oklahoma city bombing. He recited these words from a poem by William Ernest Henley entitled Invictus:

“In the fell clutch of circumstance,

I have not winced nor cried aloud;

Under the bludgeoning of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

I am the master of my fate;

I am the captain of my soul.”

Finally, consider what German philosopher Immanuel Kant said, “It is God’s will, not only that we should be happy, but that we should make ourselves happy. This is true morality.” (The Quotable Soul, Setzer, p.153). By extension then, is it really so difficult to fathom why a “do your own thing” culture is alive and thriving, perpetuating every kind of perversity known to man?

All of these, as well as many other philosophers, writers, theologians and the like, have impacted our way of thinking and living; and often we are placed at odds with ourselves when struggling to know who to believe, what to do, and which way to go.

However, we have come to an incredible realization. It is that God’s Word is the only “real state of things”. It transcends conditions and external forces. It is the only means of making wise decisions. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto man; but the end thereof are the ways of death. If we rely solely on man’s own sense of reason, not only will he be incorrect in his conclusion, but, the final result is to die”. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Indeed, He is the true vine, the genuine as opposed to the counterfeit; the complete as opposed to the insufficient; the one and only way by which we gain access to the Father. We must understand that truth is much more than reason. It encompasses grace, mercy, the measure of faith, and salvation by reason of love.

It is only through “the truth” that we hope to gain the wisdom to fulfill, in righteousness, the virtue of a free economy, and overcome the will to use the trickery and deceit of a Machiavelli. It is only through relationship with “the truth”, that we hear the “still small voice”, that we open our eyes to the “pillar of fire” and escape the loneliness and destitution of a John Paul Sartre. Only through “the truth” do we realize that without Him we can do nothing.

The question then becomes, what value will you place on “the truth”? Will it simply be one of many commodities from which you pick and choose to suit your particular end or goal? Or, will it be the “pearl of great price” for which you will give and do all to obtain. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). Will you choose to know the truth?

Welcome to Truth Revealed Ministries!