Have you ever had a friend call you, sobbing or furious about a particular issue? They narrated their story, and you found yourself rightly incensed on their behalf. Later, you learned the other side of the story, and it gave you pause. In reevaluating the situation, you realized that maybe your friend wasn’t entirely in the right after all.
There is a popular adage that says: “To every story, there are three sides: yours, the other person’s, and the truth.” The truth is distinct from the stories of both parties because, no matter how accurately people recount events, their accounts are filtered through personal perceptions, inclinations, and understanding. The fact that you cannot separate your understanding from events highlights the elusiveness of truth. However, its elusiveness does not mean we shouldn’t seek it. Even in research, while bias can influence findings, particularly in qualitative areas, it does not preclude researchers from pursuing answers to pressing questions.
In the same way, the pursuit of truth is even more pressing for the Christian believer. 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us clearly that we are saved to come to the knowledge of the truth: “who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (NIV). Our salvation sets us on a journey to know the truth about who God is and what His intentions are. The Bible speaks of the “unsearchable riches” of Christ (Ephesians 3:8), letting us in on the depths of what there is to know in God.
There is the truth about God that He wants all of creation to know, and the work of bringing God’s truth to all creation has been entrusted to the Church. Jesus said, “I am the truth” (John 14:6), but “As the Father has sent Me, so I send you” (John 20:21). Jesus as the head of the Church, is the truth, and we also, as his body, are known as the truth. The Bible further refers to the church using specific language, “…the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15, KJV). We, as believers, are the church, being referred to as the pillar and the ground of truth. Why does the Bible use the words pillar and ground? The ground reflects the foundation, and pillars provide structural support, ensuring that a building can stand firm. These are some of the most important parts of every building. The church is holding the structure of what God is building as his kingdom. While there are others in participation, we as the Church are what he builds upon.
The Kingdom of God is built on us, who are called the pillars of truth. Truth is foundational because it is how we build. Truth is also the material that God uses to build. In the absence of truth, nothing stands. All lies eventually crumble. Anything built on lies does not last; it fails the test of time.
How does this apply on a personal level? The truth stands. When you find yourself unable to withstand the storms of life, you must ask yourself: What information do I hold onto? The information you carry may not be the truth. Only truth enables you to survive life’s storms because truth always stands firm.
The truth always stands.
Be committed to seeking the truth always, both as a believer and in the daily aspects of life. What is true about the world in which we live? What do we accept simply because we’ve been told to? What did we grow up believing and have taken for granted as the truth? God’s desire for “all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4) means He wants us to strive to attain what is true.
Just like the situation with a friend sharing their version of events, we must remember that truth often lies beyond initial perceptions. It requires intentional seeking and a commitment to understanding beyond our biases. As believers, this pursuit of truth is central to our faith and daily lives. Whether in personal matters, spiritual growth, or even evaluating the narratives surrounding us during the holiday season, the truth is what sustains and grounds us.
So, ask yourself: Are you holding onto the truth, or just a version of it? Be relentless in your pursuit of what is true, for only the truth can stand firm through the storms of life and lead us closer to God’s unsearchable riches.
Last month, I wrote about going back to basics, reflecting on Love in the Christian faith. Read last month’s article on going back to basics here.
What people are saying about the last month’s article:
"It takes Godhood to meet the needs of others." This is so encouraging - that we, as believers, have the capacity to demonstrate the love of God by taking care of His people, this earth, and exercising our rights as judges. This message was very timely and reminds me of the authority and rights that God has empowered us with”
I appreciate the opportunity to hear your thoughts on any of the ideas or experiences expressed here. You may reply directly to this email, leave a comment, or connect with me on Instagram or Twitter. I look forward to hearing from you.
"The Kingdom of God is built on us, who are called the pillars of truth." I believe this is so profound in that God is still God without us and, in spite* of us being human, members of the church are still the pillars of truth that his kingdom is built on. Just amazing - thank you for sharing!
Another point that comes to mind is in relation to salvation. The various dimensions of salvation will require us to truly dive deeply into the truth of God so that we acquire, maintain, and enrich the salvation of our spirit, soul, and body. The truth that is independent of biases seems like such an unattainable item, but I suppose that is part of the journey we embark upon to seek for that truth. Thank you again!