Those Who Deal Truthfully
Faced with a world seemingly out of control, people try to find answers. The problems are undeniable, so the human mind tries to deal with them. Many are asking how can we put things back into some kind of order. Of course, there are those who are dedicated to breaking down society, but most people want order and purpose in their lives.
There is one ingredient that has the power to rectify social ills. “He who speaks truth declares righteousness …”. What comes out of the mouth reveals the character of a person. If truth is in the heart, what is spoken will be right. This is the missing dimension of society today. Truth is the essential ingredient. The verse continues “… but a false witness, deceit” (Proverbs 12:17). “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil…” (verse 20).
It is not by chance that our world is filled with evil. Satan is the master manipulator and is moving people away from any connection to the source of truth. “…If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). All the available evidence is that more people are rejecting a personal relationship with God. Organized religion is guilty of misrepresenting God due to their worship of the god of this world.
People are not being directed to the source of truth. God is the source of truth. “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Without the knowledge of God, man is left to wallow in deceit – in other words, lies.
Do we hear the truth being spoken by those who lead and influence society? The secular definition of truth is: “That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality”. There are now businesses which “fact check” speeches. More often than not, the “fact check” does not match what was spoken.
A biblical definition of truth is: “That which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory and being of God”. All truth must be defined in terms of God if it is going to be built into the human heart. Christ said He is the embodiment of truth.
The world rejects Christ in the fullest sense of who and what He is. They do not understand His Savior role. So they are devoid of the truth that provides answers to our problems.
For us, this means we can have compassion on those who peddle deceit. They don’t know what they don’t know. It means we pray for and seek wholeheartedly God’s soon coming Kingdom. “…I the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right” (Isaiah 45:19).
For our spiritual growth and development, we need to be detached from all the evil that is in the hearts of those bound up in deceit. Don’t let it distract us from the source of truth.
We have the ability, through Christ, to know and speak the truth. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:22).
Brian Orchard
