By Pastor Royston Smith

Conspiracy theories, fake news, misinformation, propaganda and alternate realities; this is our world today, thanks to social media.  “Big lies,” small lies, white lies-irrespective of the adjective a lie is still a lie; misleading, unacceptable, a sin.  We become so excited by sensationalism and alternate reality that it’s easy to share the many versions of the “truth”, without a thought to its impact.  American physician and author Spencer Johnson, reminds us, “Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” Truth matters.  

It is so important to be politically correct. Rather than being truthful we mask our true feelings. It is sometimes easier to lie and avoid painful consequences than to give honesty its rightful place. Communication becomes pointless and meaningless if we cannot trust the substance of what we are being told. Truth, rebuts and refutes mountains of misinformation while refusing to be silenced. Honesty provides confirmation that truth is not only a noun, but also a verb. 

The story is told of a drunk husband who snuck up the stairs very quietly after yet another binge of drinking. Looking in the bathroom mirror he bandaged the bumps and bruises he’d received in a fight earlier that same night. Smiling, he climbed into bed, pleased at the thought that once again he had outwitted his wife.  When morning came, he opened his eyes and there stood his wife.   

“You were drunk last night weren’t you!”    

“No, honey.”   

“Well, if you weren’t, then who put all the band-aids on the bathroom mirror?”   

Lying weakens our commitment and connection with God and our loved ones.  Knowing and speaking the truth, are integral to ever-growing relationships. King Solomon in Proverbs 12:22 said, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.” Did you hear that? Being truthful pleases God. 

Refuse to side with alternate facts (they are not facts at all). Truth must be central to your DNA, and it is the only antidote to alternate realities. Be resolute and courageous in pursing truth. Stand for truth though the heavens fall.  Zechariah 8:16 states, “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace”. Truth is reality. Truth creates trust which builds relationships which in turn fosters fellowship. Truth matters. 

Father God, you are truth and your Word is truth. In your mercy, draw us closer to you and help us to walk in your way, in the name of Jesus. Amen.