By TONY HOSS
QUESTION: Previously you have written on truth, however, religiously speaking, can truth mean or be different things to different people?
ANSWER: The question is a very good one that demands we look to the Word of God for an answer. Solomon said, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” Prov. 23:23. According to the scriptures, whatever the truth may cost, whether it be time, money, family, friends or something else, it is well worth the price; and once obtained, should not be sold for anything.
James mentions pure religion in James 1:27. If we are to practice pure religion truth is necessary. Regardless of what one may think or would like to believe, truth is the foundation of all things. You may recall that Jesus said He was the truth (John 14:6), therefore we must go to Him for all answers. On one occasion Priscilla and Aquila had to take an honest man by the name of Apollos aside and explain the way of truth more accurately (Acts 18:24-28). He was fervent in his beliefs, but his beliefs were not sufficient to lead him to life eternal.
As we consider our practice of religion we should beware of those who would teach perversions of the truth. Paul warns in Ephesians 4:14, that there are those who lie in wait to deceive us by their sleight. The word sleight as used by the first century writers of the Bible had reference to deception as it was associated with those who would deceive others in the game of dice. Much the same occurs today by those who are professional gamblers. In Ephesians 4:15, Paul said, “…But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ…” The importance of this warning from Paul is evident as we witness those who disguise false teaching as the divine truth of God. It is imperative that we always guard our lives against those who lie in wait to deceive. We can do this when we speak the truth in love and daily grow in Christ.
Many today want to ignore false teachers. They believe that doing so is being kind and non-combative. But we should know that ignoring error is the opposite of kindness. According to Jesus, only the truth can make one free from the burden of sin and the traditions and doctrines of men (Mark 7:7, John 8:31-32 ). And as for those who are found in error, we have an obligation to seek and save those in error (James 5:19-20).
We must conclude that truth cannot be two different things at the same time. If we choose to disregard, neglect, ignore or reject the truth we are in denial of the truth which is dangerous to the souls of men. In John 8:31-32, Jesus claims to be the truth and only His truth can lead us to eternal joy.
(Tony Hoss is minister at the Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton)