Truth And Consequence

The sum of your word is truth; and every one of your righteous ordinances endures for ever. Psalm 119:160

Sometimes it’s hard to know who and what to believe is true. Whenever a conversation about truth comes up I always remember Pilates’ question to Jesus; “What is truth?” Pilate doesn’t even wait for an answer before walking out and leaving the fate of Jesus in the hands of the Jews. For Pilate truth changes according to popularity, benefit or consequence.

When in physical relationships there is always more than one truth. Our children never see things the way we see them. We often see things differently from our parents. Women tend to have a different perspective from men, so forth and so on. As culture and environments change, our perspectives sometimes tend to change with it. When I was ten I moved from what was then a small rural town in Maryland to a major Northeast city. I remember the most significant change was finding myself as one of many after having been one of a few along with the discovery that my new friends jumped with two ropes when my old friends jumped with one. It was a culture shock that could have proved devastating for a ten year old girl without skills. Fortunately, I was always rather athletic and a quick learner. I liked to say that all the transitions throughout my life went as smoothly.  The truth is there were some consequences to not always fitting in with the crowd. But blessed are the righteous whose relationship with God does not depend on the physical, environmental and cultural changes in the world, but rather steadfast belief in his everlasting Word.

Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
   and I will observe it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
   and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
   for I delight in it.
Turn my heart to your decrees,
   and not to selfish gain.
Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
   give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise,
   which is for those who fear you.
Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
   for your ordinances are good.
See, I have longed for your precepts;
   in your righteousness give me life.