“Tell me I’m clever, Tell me I’m kind, Tell me I’m talented, Tell me I’m cute, Tell me I’m sensitive, Graceful and wise, Tell me I’m perfect – But tell me the truth.” Shel Silverstein

When seeking the truth, we might not always get what we want. We may be searching for it in the mess of the media.  We may long for it in the smile of a child. We might even see it in the face of love.  Truth is a word that means honesty – purity – without embellishment.  When truth is tarnished, how can we be sure of it? We’re told to be discerning, but it’s difficult to do so when you can’t tell the good guys from the bad.

We can learn what truth is from experience.  We soon discover that everything we hear is not true.  Even things we were taught as little children – like, “you can do amazing things if you just try” – become slanted by the voice of bully who can take the wind right out of your sails.

We suffer when the slings and arrows of untruth embed themselves in our hearts.  We are exposed daily to lies and deception.  Where on earth is it?  The truth is, it no longer exists in common knowledge.  Somewhere along the line the ninth commandment given to Moses has been forgotten.

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

In my 78 years of living, I’ve been amazed to see the decline of truth in almost all areas of our lives.  There is really no truth in advertising.  We’re now simply entertained by commercials.  We often don’t even remember the brand.  In every day dealings, people lie to make friends, to influence others, to make themselves look good.  We’ve seen an increase in lawsuits over the past 50 years – ranging from serving coffee which is too hot, to health care, to who knows what else.  It’s become a national trend to sue our neighbor. Not to mention the untruths seen in the media, on the internet and in every day conversation.

So what is truth?  Pontius Pilate asked that question when Jesus stood before him to be judged.  It is an age old query posed by philosophers and theologians.  The most scholarly in our world can’t see to come up with the right definition, because we’ve become numbed by the fact that a little white lie never hurt anyone.  We’ve seen how sneaky the devil is in selling us stuff like that.

Truth in God’s terms isn’t a part-time activity. We can rely on His truth – the only truth which exists anymore.  Jesus, said of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Who do you trust?  There is none other we can trust, than the true Son of God.  His Holy inspired Word, the Bible, gives evidence of this truth.