In today’s world it seems harder than ever to discern the truth from a lie. Added to this conundrum is the question, why is it that some people love a lie better than the truth? It is vitally important for each of us to resolve these questions for ourselves, especially since the world is currently awash in confusion and misinformation.
Jesus confronted the same dilemma in his time. To those who doubted his teaching he declared that they were misled by those ignorant of the truth. He referred to “those” as, “a liar, and the father of [the lie].” John 8:44. In other words, Jesus knew that the truth has only one source, which is God. From that premise he declared that “the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32. A lie, on the other hand, proceeds from ideologies, human opinions, prejudices and false assumptions which come not from God, who is Truth itself.
How does one discern the truth in a world of conflicting information and chatter? From my own experience, it is not easy. In fact, sometimes, I have discovered over time that my most firmly held beliefs were not entirely true. So, in negotiating our day to day lives, humility and an acknowledgement that we never have the full picture of anything is always a good starting point.
Further, being careful about what we say is vitally important. “Lie not one to another” Col. 3:9 is an important adage to live by. How often has gossip or a false accusation led to suffering and sometime tragedy?
Speaking the truth was also a central point of the Buddha’s teaching 500 years before Jesus. He taught that “when anyone feels no shame in telling a deliberate lie, there is no evil they will not do.” Carrying this point further, he said, “I will not tell a deliberate lie, even in jest.”
I have also found that reserving periods of silence in my day helps to clear my thought of chatter and worthless information. It is in silence that I can begin to hear that “still small voice” which is speaking the truth to each of us. We are all capable of this, but it does take dedication and constant practice.
We mustn’t look for truth on the internet, the airwaves, print media, political ads or from other people. Those things can sometimes help, but they are never our source. The source comes from within and that is why Jesus, the prophets, Buddha, and other spiritual leaders all observed periods of prayer and solitude as central to their daily lives. We can do this as well. As Paul wrote, “we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor. 2:16. We just need to listen for it.
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Charles Wellington is a lifelong student of the teachings of Christ Jesus and regularly meditates with the Great Plains Zen Center in Monroe.
