What is Truth?

Who was it who said, ‘What is Truth?’

I would bet it has been said by thousands and no doubt by you at various crucial points in your lifetime. But thinking about it has come to me often in these past few years. TRUTH is in danger of surviving in our culture. Wisdom is the theme here, but we can’t speak about wisdom without starting with Truth.

The word truth appears hundreds of times in scripture. The question “What is Truth?”  is that well-known quote from Pilate in John 18 (a question to Jesus during his interrogation by the Roman governor).

Thousands and thousands of notables have said something about TRUTH, from C.S. Lewis, to Ghandi, to Oprah and George Carlin. Here’s some quotes that caught my eye:

“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.” Sir Winston Churchill
“The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.” Albert Einstein
“God is–even though the whole world deny him. Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self-sustained.”  Ghandi
“Truth will ultimately prevail where there are pains to bring it to light.” George Washington
“People will generally accept facts as truth only if the facts agree with what they already believe.” Andy Rooney

The more I read such quotes about TRUTH from renowned people, the more I can grasp our confusion with it. Some actually abhor the word. Many believe it’s unattainable. Sadly, there is more cynicism today than ever before.

For me, to doubt that there is TRUTH leaves me hopeless.

Why discuss it if everyone has their own truth?  Because I won’t be able to write at all until I profess my acceptance that the TRUTH must be owned.

Our personal truths define who we are.

Our concept of truth determines the way we make decisions.

It influences how we feel emotionally.

It effects how we choose whom to follow politically.

Our truths lead us toward certain personalities.

They move us forward or hold us back.

They shape our interaction with others.

So….if our truths are this powerful don’t you think we should make sure they are REAL?

The TRUTH begins with God’s Words. I long to have everyone I know (and don’t know!) accept the TRUTH of God’s Word. It is an ache in my gut, and my heart. My spirit seeks it. So, I hope.

My goal has no intent of ‘convincing’. Only God’s Spirit can convince. But it does start with a desire to know what God is saying.

Let’s take a look at TRUTH for a while.

Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom…But my Kingdom is not of this world.” Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”“What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime. John 18:36-38