Online Articles
Truth Decay
Truth is a vital commodity. It is vital because of what it can do (Proverbs 23:23; John 8:32; 17:17). In every area of life–social, familial, economic or religious–truth is the necessary standard for progress, stability, efficiency. As we have seen in recent days, truth can be important even in matters of properly inflating a football before the game. No matter the gravity of the occasion or how simple, truth is necessary for the achievement of the highest good for everyone concerned.
It seems to me that the present generation has gained considerable momentum in its head-long descent from truth. People today use all sorts of mental devices with which to excuse their obligation to truth and righteousness. Stealing by employees has come to be almost routine. The business lie is so ordinary that nobody pays much attention to it. In fact, it is somewhat expected. Cheating in the athletic arenas today is being revealed with astounding regularity.
The Christian’s obligation to and respect for truth needs not only attention, but immediate attention, lest we fall into the same “no-care” attitude the world has toward truth and verity.
Truth needs to be ascertained. Parents today must come to see the importance of emphasizing the use of truth in every area of life. If they don’t show a healthy regard for truth in their lives, it will very likely affect how their children regard truth. It is necessary that children be brought up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), that they be brought up in the way they should go,” lest they depart from that later on (Proverbs 22:6). It amazes me that parents today will spend thousands of dollars making sure their children are instructed in scientific knowledge, the route for business success, etc., but don’t have the time nor inclination to make sure they have the biblical knowledge to live their lives in accordance with the will of God and so insure for themselves a home in heaven (see Luke 12:15).
Truth needs to be diligently and courageously applied to real life situations. Far too many people today admit to the truthfulness of the Bible–even admit to the advisability of practicing the principles it advises– but when it comes to the actual application of its principles to some specific situation, they choose to use what is convenient, what will cause them the least amount of difficulty, or what is quick and easy. Don’t we understand that truth loses its potency when it is dormant? Do we not see that whether or not it is difficult to apply is not the standard for whether or not we use truth? Truth can be admired without being used, but that’s not what God had in mind when He gave it (see Colossians 3:1-4).
Truth needs to be recommended. Part of the reason that is not being done is because of what we have mentioned heretofore. Far too few seek it and far too many who recognize it don’t do anything with it. Truth is, far too many people who admit to believing the Bible have such a limited knowledge of it they can’t actually recommend it to others. We have at our hand the key to life everlasting, a solution more useful than a cure for cancer, heart trouble or diabetes. How is it that we cannot find it in our hearts to give it to people when they need it so badly? How is it that we can keep locked up in a box that which can do so much for so many? Is it timidity? Than we need to get rid of it! Is it because we’re somewhat embarrassed to bring it up? Then we need to get over it! Is it because we’re fearful of being ignored, or afraid of losing some favor with our peers? Then we need to get over it! “To whom shall we go, Lord, Thou hast the words of eternal life?” (John 6:68). Do we believe that? Then we better act like it!
And do you want to know what’s sad? In far too many cases there is more attention given to tooth decay than is given to truth decay.
