“A righteous man hates lies, But a wicked man is loathsome, and he acts shamefully.”

Proverbs 13:5 AMP

One of the most important blessings and tools that salvation has given to us is the ability to discern truth. We can clearly see the ensuing chaos today in our society related to a lack of willing ness to embrace the truth. The Webster Dictionary defines the word truth as “the body of real things, events, and facts; the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality.” One would then believe that the facts of a matter constitute the truth, wouldn’t we? A leading progressive think-tank now claims that there are four kids of truth, Objective truth, Normative truth, Subjective truth, and complex truth. 

 Objective truth is what exists, “the sun is in the sky.” Normative truth is what we, as a group, agree is true. Subjective truth is how the individual sees the world, and Complex truth recognizes the validity of all those truths and allows you to focus on the one most useful and beneficial to you at any given time. They go on to say, “Choose the kind of evidence that fits the need.” I thought that research was evidence defining the proposition not the proposition defining the evidence!

Our verse today reminds us that hostility against lies should be the inward feeling of the Christian. As we watch the news or read the paper, it isn’t a wonder that feelings of anger rise when we read what is blatantly a lie! Haven’t you ever asked yourself, “how in the world could anyone in their right mind believe that?” The answer is clear,

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our motivation. 2But we have renounced the disgraceful things hidden because of shame; not walking in trickery or adulterating the word of God, but by stating the truth [openly and plainly], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.3But even if our gospel is [in some sense] hidden [behind a veil], it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing; 4among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 

2 Corinthians 2:1-4 AMP

The Apostle Paul also addressed this issue in his letter to the Romans,

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, 29until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, 31without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. 32Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them.”

Romans 1:28-32 AMP

As our opening verse tells us, “The righteous hate lies and the wicked act shamefully.” Jesus gave us a promise,

“So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. 32And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” 

John 8:31-31 AMP

Take time today to renew your mind and perspective of the truth. Don’t be misled by those who would tailor the evidence to support the precept. Instead, wash your mind daily in the cleansing, life-giving Word of God! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken