Embracing Truth

I find it interesting that in the world we live in that there are Christians who claim to be truth-tellers, but who often claim something as true, while other Christians will maintain they’re false, or “fake news.  Now just from a logical viewpoint, both cannot be correct. So, why is it that Christians can’t agree on what is true?

Part of the reason, I think, is because what we disagree about is not really grounded in Scripture. Our disagreements nowadays are more centered on political issues or issues that have been politicized on purpose. To be sure, there are still arguments over doctrinal issues, but they are less in the forefront now than the political ones. And because the political realm cannot offer solid truth foundations, then political issues are far more open to interpretation, depending on one’s perspective. However, what has become apparent in recent years is that truth among Christians is fluid depending on the subject matter and who has what opinion on it. 

If you are like me, you have Christian social media friends who take opposite views on a particular subject, whether it be gender identity, climate change, public schools, or a myriad of other issues. And, again, if you are like me, you find those friends unpersuadable to any other point of view.  

But it goes further than that. People will often defend others with whom they share some core beliefs even if they hold others that are egregious to the Christian faith or are widely known as untrue. In essence, they have chosen to embrace the person rather than the truth.

Jesus said the truth would set us free (John 8:32). That being so, why wouldn’t we want to pursue the truth and embrace it no matter what? For example, why is it so difficult to admit when someone on our “side” made a mistake, or even committed a grievous act? Politicians are loathe to admit mistakes, but as believers shouldn’t we be willing to call them to account rather than defending them just because they are in our minds the good guys?

In this polarized culture, it takes courage to consistently embrace the truth because, sadly, most people value you more if you take their side rather than side with the truth. We would do well to follow the example of Jesus who never shied from the truth, even if it was very unpopular.

And as Jesus said, there is freedom in embracing truth. One need no longer fear the reactions of friends or strangers. No one needs to fear being labeled a “traitor” to the cause. In good conscience one can admit what they once accepted as true is in fact a lie. Or, if they made a mistake in word or deed, they can freely own it rather than be bound by denial.

The way of the Lord is embracing truth; embracing truth will set us free.

© Jim Musser 2025 All Scripture references are from the New International Version 2011.