The title of this devotional are the words spoken by Pontius Pilate when he was listening to Jesus’ defense at His trial. Jesus had just told Pilate, “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.” And that’s when Pilate retorted, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38)
Perhaps Pilate’s words were prophetic, for our culture in America today sarcastically poses the same question, “What is truth?” The very word “truth” means something that is true. It speaks of the veracity of a statement or incident. Truth and facts go hand in hand.
But today, our culture says truth is merely what you believe it to be. Truth has become relative, so we hear people say things like, “That’s your truth, but not my truth. My truth is different.” I hope you see that from the standpoint of reality, such thinking is insane. If all truth is relative then mathematics, science, history is all lost and up for grabs.
It’s like saying, “If you want to believe that two plus two equals four that’s fine. That’s your truth. But I like to believe two plus two equals five.” Try using this ridiculous logic next time a police officer pulls you over for speeding or running a red light. Do we really think truth is relative?
Paul explained in Romans, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.” (Romans 1:18-19) Then, Paul adds, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie….” (Romans 1:25)
Sin not only separates us from God, but it blinds us to the truth. When we choose to continue in sin, we must suppress the truth, or we’d feel real guilt and shame for our evil practices. Living in sin, we don’t like the truth, so we simply say (insanely) that truth doesn’t exist. “If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” (1 John 1:6)
Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) And earlier in his Gospel, John said of Jesus, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
As followers of Christ, we must not deny the truth but cling to it, stand on it, and proclaim it. Jesus Christ is God. He gave Himself up for our sins. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. And as sure as you are reading these words, He is coming back again soon!
Scripture Reading: John 8:31-32
Personal Application
How would you respond to someone who says truth is relative? Meditate on the Scripture Reading for today. In what way does the truth set a person free?
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5