Our culture tells us that truth doesn’t matter. Everything
is relative.
That might be true for
you, but not for me, they will tell you. Perception is reality is another common refrain. Find your truth within.
The problem with these sentiments is that no one can
actually live this way. It is simply not possible.
For example, you might walk into your local bank to cash a
check, and while there find out that some money is missing! Whereas your bank
statement indicated that you had $450 in your account, your teller says, “Oh, we
just send out those statements to make you feel good about yourself. We always
add in some extra on paper so as not hurt anyone’s feelings. You only actually
have $275.”
You expect the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth, not just from banks, but from everyone in every walk of life. You expect
truth from witnesses on the stand, your doctor, your financial planner, and
your used-car salesman.
No wife wants to hear from her husband upon returning home
late, “Whatever makes you happy – that’s where I was.”
We expect college transcripts to faithfully report our
progress (well, at least we don’t want them to be worse!).
Congressman Jones says that those funds were not donated by a racist group. The road sign
says that it’s only 20 more miles to Albuquerque. The instruction manual says
to turn the handle three times and then
pull.
In every area of your life, you expect truth-telling. You demand
it. You wouldn’t put up with lies or deception from any professional person,
business, governmental agency, or news story.
Truth is basic to life.
So why do we pretend that it is any different when it comes
to religion and ethics?
Christians contend that Jesus of Nazareth rose bodily from
the grave three days after having been killed. Well, is it true or isn’t it? If
it is, that changes everything, doesn’t it? If it isn’t, then I no more would
want to be a follower of Jesus than a follower of David Koresh.Well, ok, I guess Jesus was nicer.
The next time that somebody says to you that all truth is
relative, simply ask them, “Would you say the same thing of your bank
statements?”
