Listening for Truth
Is it reasonable to pursue authentic truth in a world where "truth" is individualized, subjective, and offendable?
What is truth? Can we even know the truth? Is truth absolute and objective? If it is, what does the truth about truth reveal for our lives, relationships, and faith?
I know these are not easy questions, but it’s the reality I’ve been wrestling with for a long time. I want to invite you into this process because if healing is what we’re after, then the truth has to be what we seek first and foremost.
When we accept the belief that God created the world, Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, resurrected and gifted us with the Holy Spirit before He ascended back to Heaven and promised to come again, there is a great amount of faith that that all is TRUE. There also is, as I’m learning, a great amount of reason that follows that faith, and they can/should coexist.
Our belief doesn’t have to withdraw us from the search for truth.
In fact, I would argue that it’s because of our faith we can honestly, wholeheartedly, and unabashedly seek truth out for this life and beyond. It’s not just belief and love that set you free, Jesus said it’s truth.
I recently read a book, Knowledge for the Love of God, and watched a movie (twice), The Jesus Revolution, that both deal with this concept in various ways.
(Have you seen The Jesus Revolution yet?! I’d love to know your thoughts and takeaways!)
There’s a scene from The Jesus Revolution that lives in my head, rent-free. The pastor and his wife are sitting at home, watching the news anchors discuss the chaos and concern of “the hippies.”
Pastor Chuck Smith says, “There are so many voices, it’s hard to hear the truth.”
His wife, Kay responds, “The truth is often quiet. It’s the lies that are so loud.”
“It’s complicated.”
“The truth is simple,” Kay says as she looks at him with a gentle smile.
There’s much to unpack here; I could probably write a whole book about it (maybe I will someday). But the gist is this:
Every generation will have its moment.
Every generation will have its loud lies.
Every generation will face the fear of change or concern of losing orthodoxy because every generation comes with a fresh perspective.
But truth never changes, and love is still victorious.
I don’t know where you’re at in this journey of seeking truth, uncovering hope from the ashes of our cultural despair, or trying to reconcile the truth you believe with the loudness of the lies our culture spews.
But I do know that Truth is accessible, and Truth is what brings healing, freedom, and the abundant life.
Regardless of where you might find yourself with Jesus at this moment—years following Him, a season of doubt and weariness, or new to what it even means that “The truth will set you free,” we all are surrounded by lies, and we all have Truth within our reach.
Truth is found in our redemptive relationship with Jesus, and that truth is simple:
God loves His creation so deeply that He made a way for us to be made right with Him again, and in that saving grace, He welcomes us into a relationship of love and truth, forevermore, for everyone who is willing to listen and lean into belief.
The Truth is God, Himself. God is love, and love always brings truth to the deep caverns of our lives where lies build up and seek to dampen the flames of our faith.
You may see a generation that resists truth and only wants love, but they know a generation before them that forgets about love as the way to speak the truth.
Both need correction, and Jesus is the bridge.
In a world that shouts “my way or the highway” like the Pharisees did, let’s be peacemakers who offer an open door.
In a world that demands freedom to live and do whatever we please to the detriment of our lives and others, let’s gently point people to the abundant life of walking in step with God.
I say all this because, well, it’s the honest reflection of my heart right now. I also share these thoughts because I started this newsletter with the intention of uncovering the healing truth that I believe in so deeply—the truth of God’s goodness, holiness, and love that goes before us, stands beside us, and protects behind us. It starts with searching the Word of God revealed to us through the Holy Bible, talking to God consistently and honestly, and remembering His faithfulness throughout generations.
True healing for our whole minds, hearts, and bodies can be found when we lay down our pride and seek out Truth in the very place Truth is revealed.
If you’re feeling lost in the sound waves of lies or not even sure how to differentiate between a lie and truth anymore, let that be the catalyst for becoming an excavator of truth from the Word of Life. I recommend digging deeper into Genesis and John.
In love and truth,
Stephanie LaPreal Yttrup
P.S. Does this concept seem like something you’d like to hear about more regularly? I’m thinking of relaunching my podcast with this very concept of seeking truth for healing in our culture of noise.
Always a thought provoking read, Steph. Thank you for the way you write and call out the necessary. This was perfect for me to read after today’s message on the first 3 be attitudes!