What Is Truth?

In the interaction between Pilate and Jesus in those last moments before Jesus was condemned to die, Jesus told Pilate that he came into the world to testify to the truth. "All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true," Jesus said. Then Pilate asked the question that was left unanswered; "What is truth?" In an ever changing world, that question is often yet unanswered.

Throughout the recent presidential campaign, much was made about the role of truth and integrity. Neither candidate fared well when pollsters asked voters about the subject of trustworthiness. Indeed, some comparisons focused less on leadership or substantive issues, settling instead on who seemed to lie the least. The question of truth has often factored into presidential politics, as candidates, or their representatives, rearrange facts to suit their own needs. This wink and a nod approach to truth has at times been treated as an acceptable part of the political process, prompting again the age old question, "what is truth?".  

This week, one of the president-elect's advisors, when asked about something questionable he had said, encouraged people to focus less on his words and more on his heart. Does her suggestion imply that words and their meanings have little significance in the context of truth? I don't understand how they can be separated, for integrity begins within and finds its authentic expression in words and action. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of the significance of this correlation between heart and the spoken word when he said, "Let your yes be yes, and your no, no," or put another way, simply tell the truth.

Pilate seemed to look for a way to escape the impossible situation thrust upon him. He found no guilt in Jesus and wanted to release him, but the pressure of the crowd overshadowed the question of truth, and he gave in to the expedient instead of following the truth.

Scripture tells us that Jesus could see into the human heart...not so easy, however, for you and me. Words therefore are important, regardless of one's position in this world. For the follower of Jesus Christ, they are to bear evidence to the authenticity of the heart. Truth does matter, in heart and in word.

Today and every day, let us be mindful of the words of Jesus; "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Amen and Amen! 

Jim Abernathy