In Florida there is a grocery store that had a giant scale in the lobby area. Its one of those you step up onto and the needle boldly races in a circle like clock hands…..refusing to stop…climbing, climbing….ever climbing. Did I step up on that scale when I entered the store? NO!
Why? Well possibly because I don’t weigh 110 lbs and possibly because its no one’s business how much I weigh.
But here’s the thing: whether its displayed on a giant public scale, at home for my eyes only, or simply avoided all together — it doesn’t change what I weigh. Not looking at it or not allowing others to see it doesn’t change anything! I am not smaller or lighter simply because I don’t know that number. In fact, not knowing the truth of my weight makes it much more likely that I will increase that number. Ignoring the truth is harmful, not helpful.
While the concept of owning the truth of our weight or age is easily understood, the broader question is are we living in truth? What is the core truth of your life that is unchanging? Do you even have such a truth? I’m not talking about truth as opposed to a lie, but rather something that is true like a plumb line or an arrow speeding to the target. It is a deep-seated, unswerving and foundational truth that grounds us, holds us steady and directs our daily life.
Over the years I have found myself in situations that were confusing and unsettling. I didn’t know what to do, how to feel, which way to turn or how to proceed. When this happens I pause, close my eyes and picture my feet on a rock. There may be chaotic thoughts and emotions swirling around me but my feet are steady on the rock. This picture helps me so much in those seasons of uncertainty.
The rock for me is God and His truth. There is so much in life that keeps changing and shifting with uncertainty. Friendships, finances, jobs, politics, health and so much more can slowly or radically change. Where do you stand when your foundation is shaken? I have found only one thing…one Person…who is strong enough for my stuff.
Take a quick true or false quiz:
Continuing on…
True or False:
· The earth is flat.
· The sun revolves around the earth.
· The earth was created in 4004 BC
· A deck of playing cards is evil.
· Dancing is a vertical expression of a horizontal desire.
At one time all of these statements were considered true…by someone. We know now that the earth is round and revolves around the sun. Geology tells us that the earth is much older than 4000 years. Cards and dancing may not be the devils playground (as asserted by my Sunday School teacher so many years ago)…just sayin.
When we talk about truth we must hold loosely to some things we’ve been told in order to honestly pursue the truth. In hindsight the truth can be so obvious but in the present its tougher. Are there ‘truths’ you cling to that may not really be true? Perhaps it is perceived truth about others like ‘they hate me’, ‘they are wrong’, ‘they are a liar.’ We can ‘feel’ something about a person or situation and we allow that feeling to harden into our ‘truth.’ We fail to allow people or situations to speak into our feelings and correct our possible misconceptions.
It is important that we examine our foundation. Where are your feet planted? What are you grounded on? Is it your own knowledge? Is it in another person? Money? Job security? Or even a dream or hope? Take an honest look at what you’re counting on to carry you through the stuff of life. Is it enough to weather political warring? Relational devastation? Pandemics and financial challenges? Depression and anxiety? Check it out…what’s under your feet today. Is it stable and strong enough to hold the weight of your life and dreams?
John 1:14, 16-17 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
A few thoughts on truth:
John 8:32 You’ll know the truth and the truth will set you free
1. Truth can be known. Assuming won’t always get you truth. You can pursue truth.
2. The truth will set you free. How?
a. From lies: accepting what God says is true of you and for you. You are enough for God just as you are. What He says trumps every other voice – in your head or from others.
b. From shame and guilt: His forgiveness and restoration are a truth so much bigger than your past or your present circumstances. His grace is big enough. That is the truth?
c. From willful disobedience: Do you really believe that you can reject God’s will and his ways and still thrive? Not possible. Don’t lie to yourself.
3. Truth is not dispensed, it is in a relationship.
You can’t do whatever you want to do in your day to day life and then decide to use your “free truth coupon” when you get into a pinch. Live in His truth. Live in intimate relationship with the one who is the truth. Make decisions based on what is true.
Psalm 25:5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
PS 86:11 Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
John 4:23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
Lord, help us….
Snapshots with Kathy 