What is Truth?

Truth-2Living in the Spirit
July 22, 2016

Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:6-19

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. –Colossians 2:6-19

What is truth? (John 18:38) Pilate asks in response to Jesus’ statement  ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’ (John 18:27)

The truth was apparent as fluid two thousand years ago as it is today. I just reviewed a chart that summarized the truthfulness of some USA national politicians and ranked them for their truthfulness. Based on documented, verifiable facts and while colorful–using the red, orange, and green of traffic lights to illustrate factual accuracy–it does not paint a very pretty picture of any of our leaders. We define what is the truth by our personal filters. Politicians count on that.

Our scripture from Colossians encourages us to measure truth through Christ’s filters, which requires us to synch with his way of viewing the world. There is a wholeness to God’s justice and mercy. Christ epitomizes it. Athletes describe an experience when they suddenly realize they are seeing the whole court or field and the impact of each player on the game. They say the play slows down allowing them to keep up with the action, defining their response as a part of that wholeness.

While it makes a good sound bite, partial truth does not tell the whole story. For example, even in the midst of a downturn in the oil and gas industry, Oklahoma has a relatively low unemployment rate compared to other states. Sounds good, doesn’t it. What it does not say is that Oklahoma has a serious problem with underemployment, where the state’s median income is well below what is considered a living wage*.

Perhaps our best preparation for participation in the election this year is getting in synch with Christ and applying his truth to our decisions.

Prayer: Create in us clean hearts and clear minds so that we may wisely discern our part in your service and our participation in our civic responsibilities. Amen.

*http://livingwage.mit.edu/states/40

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.