The Ugly Truth

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

What does it mean to be full of truth? In the New Testament we see Jesus as full of truth, but very much unlike the religious leaders of the day. And if we look at many religious leaders in our current age, we may view a very ugly truth. The Church is often accused of being biased, judgmental, and bitter. Preaching comes not out of love or concern, but out of anger or authority. Therefore, oftentimes people who are open to attending church may have an experience that makes them feel unwelcome or unwanted.

In Jesus’ time, the religious leaders were all about following the rules. The Law of Moses, laid down in the Ten Commandments and followed by countless other rituals and practices that defined what it means to be a good religious person, was what they lived by. And those who were outside of these practices were condemned, demeaned, and unwanted. Sadly, this attitude is often mirrored in the modern day. Contemporary religious leaders may prioritize following a set of practices above living in a real relationship with Jesus.

Perhaps you have seen or experienced this ugly truth. The, “don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t cuss, don’t hang around certain types of people” kind of truth. The, “condemn first instead of dealing with tough questions like sexual orientation or racism or bigotry” kind of truth. These ugly truths serve to isolate the church from the world, instead of opening up avenues for the church to bring God's message of salvation to the world. And it really is much like the Church of Jesus’ day, which was content to be the highbrow elite of society versus following the simple instructions of God.

This is what being full of truth was meant to be. As you live and relate to others, let the truth you share lead people toward Jesus. Let your truth not be a set of rules to follow, but a Person to know. Avoid the ugly truth of religious piety and focus on the truth of a real relationship with One Who was full of all truth.

God, thank You for the truth of Your Word, the Bible. As I read it to know more about You and how to live, help me to avoid looking at it as a set of rules to follow, but rather as truth that leads to Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.