With Jesus standing before him, Pilate asked the question, “What is truth?” And it was because Pilate lived in a day much like our own, I’m convinced, where we just don’t know what to believe anymore since it isn’t always the case that we can trust what we’re being told. Right? We literally live in a land of liars (Isaiah 6:5) under the management of the father of lies. (John 8:44)
And so how can we discern the truth in such a place? Is it really possible to separate spin / fiction from fact?
Well, in this second post on the subject (Spin Zone – Part 1: HERE) I’m gonna do my best to give you an answer. You want to know the truth? Do you really? Then here’s how…
First, get Jesus in your life. After all, He is “the Truth.” (John 14:6) Separating fiction from fact starts with Christ. It is through living in a close relationship with Him that we gain the sensitivity to tell when it’s a lie we’re being fed.
And then the second thing you can do to know the truth: Hunger for the truth. When I want pizza and somebody gives me broccoli instead, it just doesn’t cut it. Amen? I won’t be satisfied until I sink my teeth into a thick, fluffy pan crust with pepperoni and sausage and five different cheeses on top. And it needs to be the case with truth. What are you hungering for today? “‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.'” (Matthew 5:6) And I believe it’s the same when it comes to the truth, too. Don’t be satisfied with anything less.
And then the third thing you can do to know the truth: Immerse yourself in the truth/Scriptures. When was the last time you read your Bible? Hmm? And that’s just the least you can do, beloved. There’s so much more. The writer of the book of Hebrews was surprised over the condition of certain Jewish followers of Jesus. They were still “babes” when they should have been “teachers.” (Hebrews 5:12-13) And some Christians are still sucking on a pacifier in their understanding and application of God’s Word. Is it any wonder that these same people could think that abortion was a viable choice for women? Are you kidding me?
And then the last thing you can do now to know the truth: Find someone who’s trustworthy that can teach you. Apollos was a great instructor in the early church. But he still needed Aquila and Priscilla to take him aside and explain the “Way” more “perfectly.” (Acts 18:24-26) Let us not fool ourselves that somehow we know it all (or can).
And so to summarize the four points: (1) Get Jesus in your life; (2) Hunger for the truth; (3) Immerse yourself in the Scriptures; and (4) Find someone that can teach you. As you do these things you will become good at separating spin / fiction from fact. And you’ll be able also to help others answer the question, “What is truth?” for themselves.