Truth

Truth is an interesting animal.  We crave the truth far more than we realize.  If the newspaper talks of rumors, we want facts (truth).  If we are buried in the heart of a mystery, we enjoy the search for story’s heart (truth).  Competition plays out as a struggle for the truth of how is bigger, stronger, and better, at least on the day. 
 
Something has gone slightly wrong.  As I search for the truth in my own life I find myself thinking if “truth” is the end all of the process.  If I can only find the truth I will be free.  I forget the clich? says the truth will “set me free”, but that is the second part of the story.  The quest for the truth often blind oneself to what is contained within the truth.  Truth can be many things; it can be the story of evil, the agony and pain of being alone and exploited, or the true values defining our world and lives. 
 
I was recently inadvertently part of a web of deceit.  I have no idea of the deceit was intentional or just a result of confusion.  The reaction of those involved was telling.  Mothers wanted to know the truth.  It wasn’t clear what they were going to do with it, but the truth in itself mattered.  Friends wanted to stay in the truth.  Being part of a lie conflicted with the values they held close to their hearts.  I found myself caught in the joy and agony of how truth become integral to the relationships of our lives; truth brings power, release, and the potential for peace, anything but truth create a cycle of broken relationships and pain.
 
The truth comes with a knife’s edge and authority.  Evil hates truth and will push it underground.  The observation of yesterday is still true today.  “Remember this: Servants don't get better treatment than their masters.  If they beat on me, they will certainly beat on you.  If they did what I told them, they will do what you tell them.”  (John 15.20)