What Does Knowing Truth Have to Do With You and God?
“Jesus told the people who had faith in him, “If you keep obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. ” [1]
We live in an age of the highest dissemination of misinformation in the history of humankind. (my words.)
‘What do you mean?’ you might ask. Never before in the history of humankind has so much information been shared with so many with such frequency. Think about it: TV, movies, social media, newspapers, magazines, books, and yes – in music lyrics. You will say, ‘It’s not all disinformation.’ Of course not. But broadcasting of fake information has increased in recent years. One statistic I read says: ‘67% of Americans have come across fake news on social media.’ [2]
I understand that the statistics are complex, and even these can be unreliable. But it is healthy to be made aware of what is happening so we can decide for ourselves.
You might also ask, ‘Why the disinformation – what does the media gain?’ In short, media gains hits, ratings and sales of hard copy and film material. ‘But why disinformation? Because truth does not sell – hype does, and lies create hype better than truth does. I hope this answers your questions.
So, what is the difference between lying hype and scriptural truth? The latter sets you free; the former imprisons you in fear.
The basic interpretation of Jesus’s words above is this: if you obey what God tells you, you come to know the truth. Once you know the truth, you are free. Straightforward? Of course, it is.
I found some excellent descriptions of truth for you: [3]
Truth is the self-expression of God.
God is the author, source, determiner, governor, arbiter, ultimate standard, and final judge of all truth.
Truth cannot be adequately explained, recognized, understood, or defined without God as the source. Since God alone is eternal and self-existent and God alone is the Creator of all else, God is the fountain of all truth.
We can see that God is truth.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. [4]
We also understand that Jesus is a God-made human type of truth.
We live truthfully by obeying God’s word and imitating Jesus’s life.
But there is more…
As we obey, we know the truth, and that truth sets us free – isn’t this all too wonderful?
Jesus said we had to be born again to see the Kingdom of God. So, what is ‘born again? – born from above: Or “in a new way.” The same Greek word is used in verses 7,31. [5]. When a child is born, that child is new. When a person is born again, they are like that child – ‘new.’ Jesus warned that unless we become as little children, we would not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
“I promise you this. If you don’t change and become like a child, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” [6]
One of the most heartwarming characteristics of children I have discovered is how easily they believe what they are told. The word of God has told you and me countless times to believe. What is a characteristic of belief? – an opening of the mind to receive. So then, I become like a child; it’s all easy and doesn’t cost a cent–believe. Do you believe? Of course you do – Yaay! You’re like a time traveler moving forward into the Kingdom of Heaven!
I once knew a child whose Grandmother built a pond, and as a water feature, Peter Pan poured out a never-ending flow (while the tap was on) of water from a jar into the pond. This little fellow called Peter-Pan ‘Goodest.’
It was long ago, and I have forgotten why he chose that name. I rather suspect if I had asked him, he would have bowed his little head (he was a shy child) and said, “Cause.’) This little fellow would sit and talk to Goodest for long stretches most days. My brothers and I wondered what he spoke about. Guess what? He would never tell us. Additionally, our Grandmother strictly barred us from going anywhere near him when he was talking to Goodest.
Jesus is letting us into something here; children live by faith because faith gives them sight to see things we adults can’t. The little one knew Goodest was for real and heard every word he said. Most importantly, I never saw that one day this little chap would become a messenger of the Gospel, that he and his wife would raise a Godly family of twelve (including grandchildren.)
Hurry and become childlike; it’s easy when you know how.
Until next time,
Love and blessings from me.
Peter-James.
[1] John 8 CEV (biblehub.com) Vs 31-32 [2] ‘Alarming Fake News Statistics [The 2023 Edition] | letter.ly
[3] What Is Truth? (gty.org) [4] John 14 CEV (biblehub.com) Vs 6 CEV [5] John 3 CEV (biblehub.com) John 3 CEV (biblehub.com) [6] Matthew 18 CEV (biblehub.com) Matthew 18 CEV (biblehub.com) Vs 3