READ: PROVERBS 13:19-22
Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed. (v. 19)
Courtroom dramas, both high and low, play out every day across the United States. Judges attempt to ensure that fair and impartial justice is rendered to every citizen, no matter their social, economic or cultural status. Pivotal to the administration of justice, and central to the rule of law upon which are system of jurisprudence is built is truth. Truth derived from the actual facts of what transpired before, during and after an event. Unfortunately, arriving at the discernment of truthful facts has become more of a challenge in an atmosphere where lies and half-truths seem to prevail. During my police career, I spent a fair amount of time in court and observed persons offer false and perjured testimony in complete deference to their sworn obligation to tell the truth. Thankfully, in a majority of the cases, the lies were exposed during the course of the trial and justice was served. However, in a few cases the lies carried the day producing horribly wrong judgements and complete miscarriages of justice. When these cases were exposed and the truth was brought out of the darkness, it is no wonder we are left shaking our heads and asking, “What happened to telling the truth?”
Beyond the courts we are continually bombarded by situations in which the truth was altered, manipulated or denied for personal gain an advantage. I recall Lance Armstrong, an American sports bicycling icon, and his fall from grace because he violated the integrity of the competition process and then tried to cover his misdeeds in a series of false statements. I am reminded of how many individuals and companies falsified loan application data to secure home and business mortgages and loans. When the false facts came to light and people defaulted—a recession that effected our entire nation was born. These are just two of what seems to be a pandemic of falsehoods that have had a drastic effect upon our society in the last two decades. Once again, we are left scratching our heads and asking a very simple question, “Why is it so hard to tell the truth?” Things have gone so far astray, that many public-school systems are now initiating classes to help students discern truth from lies and misinformation from all of the social media and news platforms that attract their attention every day. Indeed, the truth can be hard to find!
Despite all of the perversions of truth that are exposed on a daily basis, it’s nice to know that the ultimate truth of God, and the Good News of Jesus has stood the test of time and all challenges. In fact, when I looked for the definition of truth in the American Heritage Dictionary, one of those definitions was simply one word— “GOD.” When we examine everything in the light of God’s word and the teachings and life of Christ, we have a solid foundation upon which to construct lives of integrity and faith.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
When we follow Jesus telling the truth is never an issue.
Dear Lord, let me be an example of living a life of truth by honoring and giving glory to your Holy Name.