John 8:32 …Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

 John 8:32 …Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

                The world is full of controversy, extreme ideas (both to the left and to the right), contradicting religions and philosophies, and scattered values of right and wrong. Many (along with Caesar Augustus) are asking, “What is Truth?”

                Professors and teachers promote the philosophy of Secular Humanism in classrooms throughout our nation. These teachers proclaim their own absolute truth as being “no absolute truth”. They teach that there are no absolute rights or wrongs. They believe “right and wrong” change with each situation. Their situational ethics discusses questions like “When is it right to lie?” or “Is stealing always wrong?” They discuss situations involving hardships and danger pointing out that sometimes it is actually right to do what we normally think is “wrong.” It sounds so logical and Christian teachers, parents, and students, even when they know the Word of God, have believed these “lies” about the truth. 

                How can a wrong make a right? This is a double-minded perspective–a forked tongue philosophy. Truth is truth, and a lie is a lie. Jesus said that the truth would set us free. Therefore, we must not believe that a lie is ever better than the truth. Satan is the deceiver, the manipulator, the twister of truth, and the half-truth teller. We must not embrace the “secular” philosophy of situational ethics.  There is no truth separate from God’s truth; therefore, there is no “secular” truth different from “religious” truth. All truth is God’s truth. 

                Re-evaluate your own personal philosophies and make sure that you have only true philosophies–truths that agree with God’s Word. False ideas can so easily attach to your way of thinking, especially as you sit under the “counsel” or teaching of the ungodly. Ask God to reveal these “errors” in your thinking. As He does, you will see more clearly how to lead others.

                Remember that the truth sets people free to be all they can be–even when the truth hurts. It is best to say nothing rather than to speak falsely. God can give you wisdom in knowing how to answer each situation. God’s guidance is just a whispered prayer away. Today, I urge you to commit to the truth. Be gentle as you speak the truth, but strive to be truthful.  

Dear God, I want to know the truth and I want to speak the truth. Set a guard over my tongue that I may only speak truth. Cleanse my mind and heart of vain philosophies that do not agree with your Word.

John 17:17 Sanctify them  (us)  through thy truth: thy word is truth. (KJV)