Truth is getting a lot of attention these days. We commonly hear the phrases, “my truth” and “your truth.” What is truth? How is it measured? How do we know we are believing something that is really true? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, truth is “the body of real things, events and facts.”
truth = the body of real things, events and facts
I am famous within my family for my ability to measure any distance fairly accurately—with my feet. Our kids love to challenge my claims. One day a grandson asked, “Papa, what is the distance from the house to the swing?” I proceeded to pace the distance from the porch steps to the swing. “Twenty feet,” I announced. He was skeptical and said we should prove the measurement correct. “Well,” I said, “How can we know for sure? What is the standard?” He thought a moment then lit up. “A tape measure!” (In case you’re wondering, the exact measurement was 20′ 4″)
When Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life” in John 14:6, many skeptics denied those claims. They were determined to prove Jesus was not telling the truth and was certainly not the truth. When people say, “This is my truth” or “That is your truth,” are they saying truth is based on feelings? Following that logic, if I “feel” like a unicorn, can I live my truth and be a unicorn? To believe or assert something based on feelings or anything other than reality does not make it true. All of our thoughts and actions must be measured by the ultimate truth. Jesus told us who God is, who He is, and how we should live. There are many voices in this world that say they are telling us facts, but they are telling us falsehoods. And remember, Satan’s plan has always been to separate us from reality and the truth.
How do we know what is true and what is not true? By going to the standard. Model for your children how to pull out the tape measure, the Bible, and compare what you read on social media, see on television, and hear from peers with God’s words and instruction. Any claim of “truth” should be brought to the Bible. God created an orderly world but without standards to live by, there can be no order.
In John 8:31-32, Jesus said to the Jews, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” How freeing to know we have a standard to measure by! Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Go straight to the source of truth and be convinced of the things that are true.
Parents, this is the age of “my truth” and “your truth” and your children are being inundated with these false notions every day. Here are some ideas for discussing the need for moral standards and order with your children.
- When we understand the dictionary definition of truth, is real truth objective or subjective?
- How can we know what is true and what is not true?
- What do you see in the world today that appears to be against the truth in God’s Word? As you go through your life how will you measure what is fake and what is true?
- Discuss your thoughts on this formula: Your truth + My truth = No standard
To believe or assert something based on feelings or anything other than reality does not make it true.