7-27-2024 7:57pm

Strong spirits: truth!

Do you know that we are lied to every day? We ARE! And I'm not just talking about politics and elections. That's just a small part of it. Our culture is awash with untruth.

Jesus, of course, had nothing to say about elections. There were none in his day and place. Rome ruled with an iron fist. But he had a lot to say about truth.

He said: "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31,32)

"When he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13)

"I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)Of the devil he says, "...there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of all lies." (John 8:44)

We combat the lies best by knowing the truth, living in the truth, being filled with the truth. Paul encourages us to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). It's really up to us. Will we choose to live in the truth, or in the lies?

Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.