“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;” — Zechariah 8:16 (NIV84)
Ever since our nation was founded, it has been the practice that a witness in a courtroom would place his/her hand on the Bible and swear to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” It is a given that there is such a thing as absolute truth. It could be known, understood, and communicated. Philosophers and politicians can play all the games they want to play about there not being any absolute truth. They can spread their ideology that truth is found only in the moment and must be defined by the individual. But let them be wronged out in the world and find themselves wanting justice from the courtroom, and you will find someone seeking truth (absolute truth). Can you imagine them being in a courtroom and a witness saying. “Well, this is the truth as I see it…”?
An understanding of absolute truth is essential for a society to function. Without it, a society is left in a chaotic mess. Ultimately, everyone will simply be talking gibberish because nothing will be rooted in reality. Everything will be left up to the imagination and perception of the observer. Even the proponent of this kind of thinking knows it can’t work in real life. Imagine how our society would grow in unity if we would just return to the fundamental thought of our founders — that there is a God who is true and righteous, that God has communicated truth to us and that He demands we communicate and live according to those truths. Read today’s verse one more time. Seems simple, doesn’t it? Know the truth! Tell the truth!
Wouldn’t we all benefit from such an approach to life?
Peace!
Pastor Tom
www.firmlyrooted.church