And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” Matthew 5: 33 – 37; The Message

In recent years, there has been a campaign call Truth Campaign. It is a very popular commercial series that shares the truth about various effects of smoking, drinking and a variety of different issues that advertising is failing to share with the public and consumers. And the reason that this campaign is so effective is because it presented truth that couldn’t be refuted or denied. It is effective because it speaks truth; even when it seemed harsh, and is engaging to its viewers. It is still running in the media stages and continues to have a strong impact on those who view them.

Now turn to the church: are churches today sharing the real truth or is it what pastors and church leaders feel their congregations desire to hear? Do they address sinful natures and attitudes? Are they willing to preach the Word of God with boldness and fear what God might say verses what man may say? Has the church turned more towards entertaining the masses than empowering the masses? I will not answer this; for I am not in every church. You are; and you should know what truth is according to the Word of God.

The power behind truth is that it has the ability to transform lives and improve the quality of life in every aspect. Truth shatters the lies of those who seek to deceive. Truth reveals the possibilities that wait for those looking to be free from bondage. Truth gives the believer set boundaries to live in; defined limits to assist us in staying away from lifestyles and habits which ultimately lead to death – both physically and spiritually. However, there are churches that will “stretch the truth”, avoid the truth, or create a false truth in order to keep their own secrets away from public eyes. Or, in some cases, the pastors/leaders lack proper training, life experiences or (sadly) a connectedness to God. This will cause the pastor/leader to be swayed by flowery words and feel good concepts. Their hearts might have meant well, but their delivery of truth falls far from what God desires His shepherds.

Truth is simple, clear and easy to understand. Truth cannot be argued against because there is no substance in the arguments against truth. And even though the truth might hurt at the time; that same truth can cause the believer to change for the better and to grow closer in their walk with/towards God. Here is an excellent quote from West Point:

The following quotation is from the “Cadet Prayer.” It is repeated every Sunday in chapel services at West Point:

“Make us choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be contented with half truth when whole truth can be won. Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when right and truth are in jeopardy.” Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 560).

If a person lacks truth, they should search for it and never give up until they obtain it. And once they obtain truth, that person must be consumed by it and be moved by it enough to change the world around them; making more students of truth. God’s Word is the ultimate truth; for it teaches of true love from a truthful God for His people whom He trains to bring that truth to others. It teaches man ways to deepen their relationship with God and shows God doing the same for man.

Are you a student of truth or does the truth elude you? Are you content with what is being taught in your church or do you find yourself wanting more? God will show you the power of truth. Can you handle the truth?

Father God,

Please help us to find truth. Allow us to see the difference between a truth and a lie. Then strengthen us to act upon truth and to fight against the deception that Satan tries to impress upon us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.