The grids through which we filter "truth" reveal much about us and our worldview. Many factors influence our decisions or opinions. Being young or old, rich or poor, male or female, employed or unemployed, slave or free can affect our view of "truth". Some lead us in the correct direction, while others lead us astray.
During the beginning days of the war in Iraq, our family was living in Central Europe. The information we received, the reaction of the general population and the attitudes toward the conflict were significantly different from those in the United States. The presentation of "truth" was often influenced by the particular beliefs and views of history. Right or wrong, most comments had agendas.
Many issues of our day are dominated by agendas rather than truth. Whether we are talking about war, abortion, the Middle East crisis or gender issues, our personal plans and desires can conflict with what is true. Many of us would rather dwell in our present belief system than face the fear that a lifelong point of view might be shattered by the truth. Whenever that happens we make ourselves slaves to agendas and ideas, rather than freed by the truth.
Movie critic, Steven Rea, in the June 20, 2003 issue of the Philadelphia Inquirier, wrote of Italian filmmaker, Pier Paola Pasolini, "He was an avowed atheist and Marxist – and Pier Paolo Pasolini brought those passions and politics to The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964), the Italian filmmaker's epic, documentary-like retelling of the Christ story." How easy it is to bring our "own" passions and politics to what we do, what we create and who we are, rather than humbly seeking "THE TRUTH".
The source of truth for us, as followers of Jesus, is Jesus himself and His Word. God has told us, his disciples, that truth will set us free. Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32 NIV)
However, I must admit that my approach to the teachings of Jesus and the Word of God can often be influenced by other issues in my life. At times, I come to scripture with an agenda, rather than a passionate desire for understanding and living out truth. This can lead to conclusions that reflect partial truth, rather than the whole truth.
A pastor once expressed his belief that heresy was more often partial truth taught to the exclusion of the whole truth, rather than blatant untruth.This week let us be known as passionate lovers of truth in all things. Paul, talking to
people about spiritual lawlessness, warned,
". . . They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved." (2 Thessalonians 2:10 NIV)
Sharing the journey with you,
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