Dare to Be TrueNäide

THE TRUTH THAT SETS US FREE

“What is Truth?” One thing I can say for certain about every single human being, no matter their story or upbringing or beliefs, is that we are all searching for truth. We all desire to know what is true. And we all want to be free. The two go hand in hand, according to John 8:32.

We ask questions like, What is true about me? Where did I come from and why am I here? Where can I find real inner peace, freedom, love, connection, and contentment? What’s the meaning of everything? What happens to everyone after they die? Is there a God? Do heaven and hell really exist?

We all are asking some form of the question “What is truth?” And we aren’t the first to ask it.

Almost 2,000 years ago a Roman governor, named Pilate, asked an important question that many of us ask today, “What is truth?”(John 18:38). I can imagine that in Pilate’s time, just like today, there were many versions of “truth.” Many were turning to culture, power, idols, money, self, nature, work, and good deeds to find that meaning and truth. Sound familiar?

Today truth is often confused with perspective. Some see truth as a human experience or a feeling. Some think truth is subjective and changes based on a person or circumstance. And I do understand why that is an appealing “truth” to cling to. Because we all want to believe that we are innately good and that our feelings and opinions really matter.

But there is a big problem with that belief system: It’s not true. A mindset is not truth. A feeling isn’t truth. And because it isn’t true, it doesn’t lead to real freedom. Actually, it leads to quite the opposite. This type of freedom doesn't free; it binds. Only real truth leads to real freedom.

The world’s approach to truth leads to confusion, compromise, and condemnation. But there is a better way. A way that satisfies. A way that sustains. A way that not only defeats the lies that bind, but sets you free and keeps you free. A way that offers life here on earth and life eternal.

The disciple Thomas asked, “How can we know the way?” and Jesus answered in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (NIV). The question is not, “what is truth?” But rather, “Who is truth?” Truth is a person—Jesus. And the way to life is through Him.

Jesus doesn’t ask you to do all the right things and get all cleaned up to come to Him. Jesus did all the right things, took your uncleanliness upon Himself, and came to you. He laid down his life so that in Him we may have life.

Jesus is the truth. Jesus is the way. Jesus is the life. And John 8:32 says, when you “know the truth… the truth will set you free.”

What truths do you most desperately want to know? Where have you been looking for truth? How might you have been entertaining falsehood as truth?