Often, we’ll hear someone ask: “What’s your truth? Or maybe they’ll say: “That’s my truth, his truth or her truth.” Because we all see things from different perspectives, whatever someone believes to be true is assumed to be valid. That leads to pervasive skepticism.

Every Man for Himself

In his book The Vertical Self, author Mark Sayers explains how that impacts an individual’s identity.

Our cultural climate dictates that all truths must be questioned, so with no truth to hold on to and any Utopian dreams of changing our culture in tatters, all that is left are interior feelings, the distraction of romantic love, and the lure of pleasurable experiences. . . .

With no agreed-upon cultural values on which to build an identity, those who maintain a horizontal sense of self must then find themselves. They must discover who they are, but with no solid ground. The rules of the game keep changing. And so, to discover a sense of identity, individuals must constantly reinvent themselves (p. 22).

Because much of society disregards absolute truth, all truths must be questioned. So that means we cannot hang onto what the cultural climate dictates either. We must ask, “Is it true that there are no agreed upon values or that we should constantly reinvent ourselves at society’s whims?” 

The Emperor’s New Clothes

This variable concept of truth has been dictated by much of academia, media, politicians and, believe it or not, many social justice advocates (the topic of a future post). All it takes is a look at the dictionary to realize how this concept of variable truth is no better than a fairy tale.

The dictionary defines truth as “the true or actual state of a matter.” “Conformity with fact or reality.” A thesaurus uses synonyms such as “reality,” “validity,” “fact.” No one human being has the wherewithal to know all the details about a particular situation so their perspective or view of a situation is only a fraction of the whole. And, that’s bound to create conflict whenever individual versions of truth differ. Or sometimes, as we all know, a person’s view may be completely out of whack! 

When I was in high school, Mr. Jackson, a brilliant young English teacher, was nowhere to be found when class started. After a few minutes of confusion—he came running through the classroom dressed in all kinds of strange clothes, carrying things, and yelling. After running out, he changed his clothes, then came back in and taught us an unforgettable lesson.

Asked what we saw and heard—each of us described different perspectives. Some contained partial truths, others were distorted because the individuals hadn’t paid close attention. Excuses were made. Blame was laid. Human limitations kept us from the actual truth.

Yet as the creator of this dramatic event, Mr. Jackson knew what articles of clothing he wore, what he carried and said, and how he acted. Even so as a human being with the passage of time, now he may not remember all the details accurately.

Absolute Truth’s Reality

However, our Creator is omniscient. Jesus Christ has complete knowledge, an unlimited perspective. He’s also eternal so, therefore, time is of no consequence. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Jesus is much more than a man. He is the only wise God—eternal, immortal, all-knowing, ever-present, and all-powerful. That’s why we don’t have to live according to your truth, my truth, and everyone else’s truth. There is objective factual reality and it’s discoverable. That’s why we have due process of law where all the evidence is presented.

When it comes to our identity, rock-solid Truth is just as critical. Psalms 51:5 & 6 describe our condition from the time we are born.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom.

No matter what others say is their truth—God’s truth matches reality. And as we come to terms with it, we gain stability that generates wisdom.

Human nature obscures our true identities until Jesus saves us from our iniquity and denial. And that absolute truth leads to a vertical relationship with the One who gives us abundant life. 

Are you living according to the stable reality offered in a relationship with Almighty God? Or have you bought into someone else’s perspective? If so, what will you do when that individual’s (or group’s) perspective changes or you discover that their view is just plain wrong? Will you then have to reinvent yourself, again?