A scriptural understanding of truth encompasses more than simple honesty. The Bible reveals truth as a moral concept rooted in God’s character (Psalm 43:3; 25:5; 26:3; 86:11; Isaiah 65:16). He is the “God of truth” (Isaiah 65:16, NLT), and His truthfulness embraces His steadfastness, trustworthiness, and eternal faithfulness (Psalm 117:2).
“Johnny Johnny”
“Yes papa”
“Eating sugar?”
“No papa”
“Telling lies”
“No papa”
“Open your mouth?”
Above is a song we used to sing way back at kindegaren. Now I understand it.
A scriptural understanding of truth encompasses more than simple honesty. The Bible reveals truth as a moral concept rooted in God’s character (Psalm 43:3; 25:5; 26:3; 86:11; Isaiah 65:16). He is the “God of truth” (Isaiah 65:16, NLT), and His truthfulness embraces His steadfastness, trustworthiness, and eternal faithfulness (Psalm 117:2).
God demonstrates that He is truth in the faithfulness and dependability of His words, actions, and dealings: “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19, NLT
The above quotes all touch on the important subject of truth. How else to begin than from the Holy books.
Definitions of truth
It’s quite sad that in today’s world we all have our own truths. But is it really that way? Let’s say “my truth” is that I can do anything I want, anywhere I want, anyway I want as long as it does not affect people around me” is that really a good truth? What if that “thing” is smoking, porn addiction, theft? In my truth relative? Is my truth subjective and applicable to only me?
I dare say that truth has the following tenets:
-conforms with reality
-is universal
-is consistent
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What is wrong in my country (abortion) should also be wrong in the other countries of the world. In a way, religion sort of leverages the definition. Christians all over the world have one source of authority that they all agree on despite the difference in theology and denominations- the constant factor is The Holy Bible. Same applies to all Muslims. The Holy Quran is the guide upon which instruction is derived.
That’s why it’s very harmful for young people to embrace the YOLO philosophy. Young lady/man, it’s true you only live once but better still you only live once right-YOLOR. So don’t take chances and ruin your life with half-truths and twisted truths.
Once you practice the right things, your life goes the right way. You walk the talk, consistently.
Having said all, trends, tik tok challenges, online influencers come and go but the truth remains forever and the truth sets you free indeed.
What does it set you free to do? To live right, not to be fixed in the proverbial boxes but to live a meaningful life free from peoples validations, free from pressures to fit in manipulations or situations or thoughts that will pull you down in the long run.
Truths consistency
Our problem in society comes in the selective application of truth, truthfulness or honesty; take your pick on how best to word it.
Why do teens throw it out of the window when having friendships with the other gender? It’s the lack of consistency in truths that makes it easy to fall and hard to be counseled since you cover your life in darkness and the truth which is your light gets extinguished. Be truthful to your guardians or parents on your nature of friendships and relationships. Be truthful in your addictions and struggles to get the best of help while it is still possible. I have counseled many young people suffering from sexual illnesses.
Many of them admit to having suffered in silence for a long time since they kept it secret from their parents. Speak the truth out to your parents or loved ones you trust. Truth is not always sweet but it is always the medicine.
Why do instructors and learners throw it out through the window during exams period, especially national exam? People collude to have learners get unfair grades. From parents, men and women of the cloth, teachers, learners and rogue government officials-the chain is so big- all in attempt to get the A grade. What a shame! What a bad decision to leave out truth when we should apply it most! In engaging in exam cheating we rob students who worked hard and honestly as we award theft! Those involved in such let themselves off the hook by saying ‘it’s how things get done, everybody is doing it, we must take you to university’, and so much fallacies!
This culture of disloyalty, scheming behavior cultured in our young people is what we reap in our workplaces and the government since honesty was never the best policy to begin with and that is what we get in our marriages since cheating was nurtured from childhood, that is what we get through many unwarranted deaths in hospitals due to incompetency, that is what we get at the ballot in a society that places theft, lies, half-truths and twisted truths at the altar.. It’s a cancer that eats all the fabrics in the society from all angles.
Let’s teach our children by consistently showing them at home, schools, church and everywhere. Your worlds will come later to cement your actions.
Having seen what lack of truth causes, why not make it our new traditions to teach, live and speak the truth.
By Mike Ochieng’
The writer is a team builder, educator and chaplain. mikeochieng11@gmail.com +254714904165
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