Bible Reading: Isaiah 26:1-end
“Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in” – Isaiah 26:2 (KJV)
We are in an era in human history when falsehood and deception have assumed unimaginable dimension. In our generation, lie and falsehood have been given different coloration and names. In some clime it is diplomacy, in some other it is application of wisdom which of cause is an earthly wisdom. The situation has so degenerated to the extent that lying and propaganda have been fully entrenched in human government as normal. Truth and those who abide by it have become the aberration instead of the norm. Even in the body of Christ, people lie with so much ease without blinking an eye. Many Christians that are supposed to be the custodians of the truth have reneged in their God ordained responsibility. Truth is speedily giving place to diplomacy and propaganda. One wonders whether in a century’s time if truth will still be a virtue.
Presently, truth is a loner in corporate and public settings that is dominated by deceptions and lies so much so that being truthful makes you a target of ridicule and mockery. This is due to the predominant absence of the fear of God and godliness. Due to selfishness, greed and inordinate ambition our society is inundated with falsehood. The level of certificate forgeries and racket among top government officials, top academicians in our higher institutions and top executives in corporate entities can attest to this. Truth dwells in the place of light, while lie is a tool of darkness. What actually separates a genuine Christian from the crowd is his living in truth and his love for God. You can’t say you love God and live a liar. Many believers due to their inability to live for the truth have lost their Christly identity even in their work place.
Our scriptural verse of today talks of a righteous nation that keeps the truth and request all inhabitants of the earth to allow them entrance. Truth is not transient but eternal. Truth cannot change irrespective of whatever action brought against it or opposition confronting it. Facts are different from the truth. Scientific discoveries and theories are facts but not truth. Truth is absolute and firm. It is an invaluable gift from God in a man’s life that must not be toyed with. It is on this premise that the scripture says , “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:” – Proverbs 3:3(KJV). The inestimable value of truth is predicated on its numerous benefits, hence the scriptures further admonish us to, “Buy the truth, and sell it not: also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” – Proverbs 23:23(KJV). This is an attestation to the great value of truth. Truth attracts goodwill and appreciation while lie attracts shame and condemnation.
Discourse continues tomorrow!
Prayer: Father engrace me to live for the truth all the days of my life.
Bro Joel Ezeugo