First, a quick recap of the past six articles:
Note: This is the seventh and final article in the “What is Truth?” series. Previous articles are always available at http://www.webbweekly.com.
Truth is a statement that agrees with reality.
Universal truth governs all physical and spiritual reality. It is true for everyone everywhere. It is indisputable. For most of Christianity, universal truth is identified and celebrated in the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. These statements provide the basis for universal unity in the Christian world – the supernatural unity required by Jesus and necessary for the accomplishment of the mission of God. See John 17. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul identified universal truth as truth of first importance.
Communal truth governs a group of people experiencing a common reality. Communal truth provides local unity in disputable matters. See Romans 14. Communal truth cannot defy universal truth. In Christianity, denominations and local churches identify their communal truth in the statements of faith that serve as the basis for church membership or identification. Communal truth is truth of second importance.
Personal truth governs individuals within their one-of-a-kind reality. For a Christian, it is the basis of personal convictions. Personal truth cannot defy universal truth, and it submits itself to communal truth for the sake of group unity. As Paul stated in Romans 14:22, “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” Personal truth is truth of third importance.
Truth can also be simple and complex. Simple truth is observable, practical, and applicable. It is common sense. Complex truth requires the speculative investigation of the sciences and philosophy. Simple and complex truth complement each other, and wise is the person who pursues both.
Finally, faith truth is based confidently on the observable evidence that reveals the unseen and unprovable. Hebrews 11:1 declares, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” It is transcendent truth. The Apostle Paul acknowledged faith truth when he stated, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Scientists and Christians alike rely on faith in observable evidence to guide them into greater discovery and knowledge.
OK, now that the groundwork has been laid, we can finally answer the question, “What is Truth?” Drum roll please…
Answer: Truth is what sets you free. If the truth you believe does not lead you to greater freedom, then you need to re-examine that truth. Truth and freedom are a matched set, and a person who knows truth and lives by it will never be in bondage.
If you believe something is true, and it isn’t true, the result will be bondage.
If you buy a house you believe you can afford, and the reality is you can’t afford it, you will be in bondage to a mortgage, a second job, maxed-out credit cards, and a load of stress. Buy a house that is well within your means, and you will have the freedom to travel, go out to eat, golf on Saturdays, be generous with others, and support good causes.
If you believe something isn’t true, and it is true, it will also lead to bondage.
Several studies identify cocaine as the most addictive drug. If you choose to believe those studies aren’t true and begin using cocaine, you will likely develop an addiction – a terrible form of bondage. If you know the truth about addictive substances, and you keep them out of your body, you will remain free from addiction.
My friend, when we choose to live by truth, the result is freedom. Any time we act on something that does not agree with reality, we suffer bondage. This is true in every aspect of life: emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and relational.
Jesus connected truth and freedom in John 8:31-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Now we must acknowledge something unfortunate: some of what religion teaches as truth results in bondage. To be blunt, religious people are often enslaved to obligation and legalism that steals freedom from their lives. The result is a form of bondage called hypocrisy – living one way publicly (to please or impress others) while living another way privately (to please themselves). If you’re a religious hypocrite, then you know the bondage of trying to manage two different lives. It requires constant cover-up and stokes the fear of exposure. As Mark Twain said, “Always tell the truth and you don’t have to remember anything.” My friend, freedom comes when we live our lives, both publicly and privately, to please God.
In Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus calls out religious hypocrisy and then gives the cure, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” Authenticity, seeking to please God, both inside and out, is the path to freedom from the bondage of religious hypocrisy.
Are you in bondage? Truth can set you free. It will require wisdom, courage, and sacrifice, but to those who wholeheartedly pursue and live by truth, freedom is the reward. Today is the best day to get started. Pick one area of bondage and bring it into the light of truth. Courageously make wise choices, even if they require painful sacrifice, and very soon you will be free!
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
