What is Truth?

March 16, 2005

Hope for the Day

Consider Charles Spurgeon’s poignant response to the seductive power of compromise for the sake of popularity. “What have you and I to do with maintaining our influence and position at the expense of truth? It is never right to do a little wrong to obtain the greatest possible good ... Your duty is to do the right: consequences are with God.” Frequently, we are placed in compromising situations for the sake of popularity or to spare the feelings of someone we love. The result is inner conflict- we have to choose between momentary relief and avoidance of conflict or to speak the truth. Pilate said to Jesus, "You are a king, then!”... Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” and Pilate asked,” What is truth?"...” (John 18:37-38). Conflict with others often involves the question, “What is truth.” For many, truth is whatever is right in their own eyes – dependent on feelings, standards set by society or on whatever seems expedient for the moment. Absolute truth is considered “intolerant” in today’s society.  Each of us must decide for ourselves, “What is truth.” Perhaps one of the hardest problems to deal with in life is to tell the truth when you know it will hurt someone you love but the Bible says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32). Our salvation and the salvation of those we love is dependent upon the Truth (Jesus). Followers of Christ will be held responsible by God for being “light and salt”. Often this will result in persecution, pain and even the loss of a relationship but we are called to do what is right, “the consequences are with God.”  “Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7) What if the Bible is true?

Hope Ministries, Inc. is a Christian Counseling Center. We are available because we care about you and desire to help anyone who is struggling to overcome life’s difficult situations. Give us a call at 914-482-5300 or toll-free 888-905-HOPE.