Truth and Lies

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16)

I’ve never met George Barna.  All I know about him is that he was an American sociologist who founded a market research firm specializing in studying the religious beliefs and behaviors of Americans.  Some of his research tells us that 54% of Americans believe truth is subjective.  There are no absolutes, no actual right or wrong.  In America, truth, accuracy, and accountability are flying out the window at an alarming rate. 

In an experiment, scientists placed people who witnessed an event in a room with actors who were scripted to lie about the event.  After the actors gave false testimony, the test subjects also gave the wrong testimony, going along with the majority.  They refused to witness the truth.  It sounds cowardly and immoral – and it is.  But it also proves a point – a scary point.  That is that people are afraid of the majority and rejection from them.  Our desire to be part of the crowd, accepted by the masses, popular with the public, has a very strong pull on our lives.  So, if the minority needs to swallow a lie and tell a fib here or there in order to maintain their status with the majority – well then, who cares?

But are lies and untruths also a problem for we who have witnessed the power of God’s salvation and yet keep quiet from witnessing to those around us who are perishing?  All because we’re afraid of rejection from the majority?  Or because we’re afraid we will be embarrassed?  If that’s the case, then we are no better than those people in the experiment.  If we condemn those who know the truth, but refuse to tell it, then we have to condemn ourselves because we know the truth of the gospel and don’t share it.

It’s easy to tell the false players in society.  The liars, the cheats, the deceivers.  We see them every day and condemn them for their lies and deceit.  But if we who know the truth, the truth that sets a person free, and refuse to bear witness of that truth to others, are we not any better than a liar ourselves?  Think about it!  Who does the Lord want you to share His good news with today?

                                                          Darlene