Truth Decay

We’ve had some pretty clear examples of it lately . . . truth decay. Truth can most simply be defined as that which agrees with final reality. Truth means that things are the same on both sides of the equals mark. Truth is when our talk matches our walk; when our words square with reality. But truth is a rare commodity these days.

The most recent example, at least here in the Atlanta area, involves our past football coach. We all were duped into believing he was committed to the team only to hear him abruptly abandon the team and cast his lot with the University of Arkansas. He said one thing publically, but did another. Things were not the same on both sides of his equals mark.

Truth decay is not confined to the sports world, it also shows up in the corporate community, the arts, the entertainment industry, the medical profession, every facet of our lives – including the church, sadly. What have we become that we struggle so much with the truth? The Bible tells us that truthfulness is a prerequisite to enjoying the presence of God.

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false. (Psalm 24:3-4)

So why do we suffer truth decay? I think the answer is quite simple: we are self-centered. What has happened is that we have made our agenda, our desires, our plans, yes, even OURSELVES bigger than God and His standard of living. We justify the bending our rules and parsing of words (“It depends on what your definition of ‘is’ is.”) And the decay has spread to the pulpit and right down through the pews.

What we want is so important that we will stop at nothing to get it. Even in church. We will pretend to like certain people to get what we need out of them, only to backstab them when they are not looking. We stretch the truth, we perform semantic gymnastics, we only share the “beneficial” elements of the truth that forward our agenda. Oh, and the deadliest form of truth decay of all? SILENCE. When we fail to defend the honor of another and sit by silently as they are denigrated and discredited, we are accomplices to a lie.

So what to do? First, commit ourselves to integrity – to being men and women who tell the truth, the WHOLE truth and nothing BUT the truth. Second, place ourselves in subjection to the will of God and the needs of others. Putting God and others above ourselves frees us from the need to protect our turf at all costs. Third, genuinely value PEOPLE; all people, not just the ones on your “side.” Make it your aim to BE a blessing to others rather than using them to bless you. Use words to build up rather than tear down. Our words are powerful; always use your powers for good and not for evil.

Prevent truth decay by keeping things the same on both sides of the equals mark, by keeping God first and foremost in your heart, and by valuing others above yourself. Consider it spiritual fluoride.