They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. –2 Timothy 4:4-5
A recent study reports that only six percent of teens today believe that moral truth is absolute. Not good. Young people basically see life as a sliding scale. Truth has become relative, depending on the situation. In athletics, there are many truths that cannot be relative. Imagine if every athlete defined winning differently—one by score, one by hustle, one by the best fans, and so on. It would be chaos! Fortunately, or unfortunately, winning is defined by the scoreboard. Life without absolutes and boundaries leads to chaos.
Psalm 31:5 states that the Lord is the God of truth—our standard. Many of us embrace the absolute truth (Jesus), but find it hard to apply to others. We feel like we are judging or condemning. It’s a hard line to walk, but remember that absolute truth is for everyone. God wants to use us to help others understand that He can set them free. We must hold fast and not compromise under any circumstances. As it states in Proverbs 23:23, “Buy—and do not sell—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” We need to stand for the truth on and off the field of competition. Do not sell out. Are you part of the Six Percent Club or the Ninety-Four Percent Club?
1. How would you define truth? How would your friends define it?
2. When do you find it the most difficult to stand for the truth?
3. What happens when you do stand for the truth? respect? name-calling? isolation?
Extra Reading: Psalm 31:5; John 18:38; Romans 1:25; Ephesians 1:13
Lord, I know You are the truth. Help me to have a clear head and pure heart so that truth is not compromised. Thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit so that absolute truth is manifested. Amen.