“The wise try to adjust themselves to the truth, while fools try to adjust the truth to themselves.” – Thibaut

“Truth is so obscured nowadays and lies so well established that unless we love the truth, we shall never recognize it.” – Blaise Pascal

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” – John 8:32

We live in frightening times.  Determining what is true, factual, and accurate has become tainted – tarnished by the weight and values we place on our own opinions.  Our egos are so inflated, we have come to believe that truth is something we can manufacture in our own minds – simply created in the light of our own reality.

“Owning your mind and living your truth can be a solitary path sometimes, but it is absolutely worth it.” – John Mark Green

But when you think about it, can REAL truth be so individually crafted like this?  Can everyone simply construct and design their own set of facts?

When it comes to finding real truth, our egos are not the only obstacle.  Social media, news outlets, and political action groups have taken it upon themselves to distort it in a way that fits their personal agendas. 

News is no longer just news.  It comes with a slant that pushes and persuades us to think about it in a way that matches how the source wants us to think about it.  It has become a form of propaganda.  The cherished values that were once held by journalists, getting to the bottom of the issues by a vigilant search for facts and truth, are now a thing of the past.

The tech companies that control social media have taken it upon themselves to police what is thought to be factual and true from their own standpoint.  This form of censorship, no matter what side of an issue you find yourself on, is chilling and alarming.  Any person or company that proclaim to take on the role of “fact checker” or “truth police” needs scrutiny.  When they control what is being seen, heard, given attention, or pushed aside, how can this create an environment where truth is a guaranteed or assured outcome?

Where can truth be found anymore?

If you look one verse before the Bible verse I mentioned earlier, you will find this message:

“If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” – John 8:31-32 NKJV

Truth is found within the words of Scripture and within the actions of Christ:

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” – John 14:6

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” – John 17:17

“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:5

“Then Pilate said to him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose, I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” – John 18: 37-38

 Now…you might be calling me a Bible-thumper – attempting to inject personal convictions in a discussion about finding truth.  But think about following for a second:

What would happen to our world right now if we followed the words and actions of Christ?

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:3

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” – Luke 6:38

“Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” – Colossians 3:13

“For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:2

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people but love your neighbor as yourself.  I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:18

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” – Matthew 25: 35-36

Could it be my friends that the truth of this world is evasive because we are not living and seeking the REAL TRUTH?  Will clarity, facts, and actualities surface within our world and within our own lives when we diligently follow and seek after the truth found within the words and actions of Christ?

Is it no wonder we are confused, anxious, and overwhelmed right now?  Are we even remotely living in a world that embodies and embraces the Scripture verses I outlined earlier?  Is it any wonder that truth is hard to find anymore?

Seems to me we are more concerned with embracing our own truths or distorting it in a way that fits our own agendas.

Truth will come to our country and surface within our own lives again when we follow the words and actions of our Lord – when we start caring more about people – throwing away our judgements and looking hard at our own actions and beliefs instead.

Truth will flow into our lives when we give of ourselves instead of taking – when we graciously forgive instead of quickly condemning – when we bear someone else’s burdens instead of bearing a grudge.

Within your immediate circumstances and your present environment, how can you become a force and instigator of truth?  How can you become more discerning – utilizing the wisdom you acquire to improve your life and the world you live in?

I believe it begins and ends in seeking the “Source of all Truth” my friend – something we have evaded in our country long enough.  Measure the information you hear in this world against this Truth.  Take action in your life based upon it.  Only then will things start to change.

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV