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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
The misrepresentation of truth, either intentionally or in ignorance, seems rampant today. God's declaration concerning a previous generation's lack of truthfulness appears applicable to America today. "This is the nation that has not obeyed the Lord its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips." This resulted in their being rejected as God's spokesmen to the world, which was their true calling. (Jeremiah 7:25-29 and Exodus 19:5,6)
Three incidents suffice to highlight the problem, though it is not found exclusively among the rich, famous and powerful. Kobe Bryant says he only committed adultery, seeming contrite and sorry; certainly consensual sex being better than rape according to our legal system. But is that an excuse to shrug off his actions as merely a mistake? A mistake being something we do incorrectly or out of ignorance, allowing some to avoid accepting responsibility for sinful acts, which are the breaking of moral or religious law - the basis for virtually all civil laws.
Bill Clinton was a master at spinning truth, turning it this way and that until it meant what he wanted it to; thoroughly convincing himself he had not had sex (been untrue) with Monica even as he engaged in numerous sexual activities with her. He was repeatedly unfaithful in his personal relationship with Hillary, why should he be honest with the rest of us?
President Bush, currently under intense scrutiny for comments made in support of war in Iraq. Did he manipulate or enhance the facts? I hope not. Lying for a good cause is never right, only distracting and tainting the legitimate benefits of what you're trying to do. Scripture deals with this topic extensively in Exodus 20:16; Leviticus 19:11; Psalm 34:13; Proverbs 12:22; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9 and Acts 5.
What is truth? That can be difficult to define for all of society, but when asked honestly with a desire to be corrected or in search of an answer (Acts 2:37,38) we will receive it. When asked cynically as a challenge (John 18:38) no answer is acceptable. A truthful person is reliable, faithful, unchanging in devotion and certain in action. The truth will be lawful, accurate, honest - in agreement with reality. Truthfulness conforms to a standard not one's own, thus it's import, giving stability to society and security to its citizens. God says plainly, "I have not spoken in secret,... I have not said... seek me in vain. I, the Lord speak the truth; I declare what is right." (Isaiah 45:19) We may have to search God's word diligently for answers we need (Deuteronomy 4:29), but his will is revealed there. Ethical truth, morality and civilized behavior will follow any man or society who patterns themselves on God's will, fulfilling his expectations. "...for what may be known about God is plain... because God has made it plain..." His invisible qualities, divine nature and eternal power revealed in what he has done throughout creation - and what he has said in his word. (Romans 1:19,20)
David said of God, "All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal." (Psalm 119:160) This from a man who often stumbled but whose heart none-the-less was patterned after God's (1 Samuel 13:14) through his seeking of truth and the repentance it brought him to; enabling him to list the attributes of righteous men. "He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowmen..." (Psalm 15:1-5) Our desire should coincide with David's, "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth..." (Psalm 25:4,5); with the confidence that, "All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant." (Psalm 25:10) See also Proverbs 14:22 and 25
Jesus personifies God's truth, he is God's word fleshed out for easier "reading". (John 1:1,14,17) He is the light or enlightenment of the word for the world, the exact representation of God's being and pupose. (Hebrews 1:3) He is the way - the truth - the life. No one coming to or understanding God but through Jesus. (John 14:6, see also John 10:30; John 4:34; John 8:26; Matthew 10:30) In fact, in responding to Pilate's questions Jesus asserted his reason for coming into the world was, "...to testify to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:37) As a result of our "siding" with that truth we become sanctified or made free from sin. (John 17:17) and gain eternal life which is indeed defined as knowledge of God and the son he sent. (John 17:3)
The problem rests with mankind, who exchange the truth of God for lies to suit their own purposes and designs; redefining life and it's consequences. (Romans 1:25) Paul undoubtedly encountered this attitude and predicted that, "...men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desire, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:3) - men, "...who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth." (2 Timothy 3:6, 7) Paul's thoughts of such men? "Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools..." (Romans 1:22) See also Romans 2:2-8
Do we have any responsibility for solving this problem? As we speak the truth in love - we will grow, (Ephesians 4:15) realizing no one is wholly righteous for all of us are guilty of sin, falling short of God's glorious example. (Romans 3:10 and 23; 1 John 1:8,9; 1 John 2:3,4) Even with those who oppose us we must seek to gently instruct (2 Timothy 2:25,26); exposing them to God's will, giving opportunity for God to speak, direct and save. God desires the salvation of all men through the knowledge of his truth (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:15); living obediently and triumphantly according to his word. (John 14:15; 15:10) People perish only when they perisit in refusing to accept the gospel as God's truth, failing to acknowledge it's authority. (1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:6)
For Kobe to realize and maintain real freedom, he must find and obey God's truth. (John 8:32)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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