THE TRUTH ABOUT TRUTH

 THE TRUTH ABOUT TRUTH

 Upon the completion of academic studies at Fisk, Harvard and the University of Berlin, William Edward Burghardt DuBois , the renowned black educator, sociologist and historian, was convinced that change in the condition of American blacks would be effected via careful scientific investigations into the truth about the black experience in America.  So his research proceeded on that premise, producing flawless graphs and charts to document his findings.  After waiting for several years and seeing not the slightest evidence of reform, Dr. DuBois had to accept the truth about truth.  That is, truth being available does not mean that truth will be accepted and appropriated.

 It’s quite difficult to conceptualize or wrap our brains around the awesome volume of knowledge that is accessible in the 21^st century.  In 1979, “Campus Life” published the following statement: “Knowledge is exploding at such a rate--more than 2000 pages a minute--that even Einstein couldn't keep up.  In fact, if you read 24 hours a day, from age 21 to 70, and retain all you read, you would be one and a half million years behind when you finish.”  Wow!  It is now generally believed that the sum total of human knowledge actually doubles every 13 months, with scientists projecting that in the near future knowledge will double every 12 hours.  That’s truly mind-blowing!

 But with all of our learning, are we actually achieving the wisdom that comes from the acquisition and application of TRUTH?  It seems that half-truths and falsehoods are the communication realities of our time.  It feels like we are being literally swept away by tsunamis of doubt and deceit.  So many are curiously drawn to magnetic tides of falsity, fantasy and deception in our public discourse.  Where will it end? 

 Governor Pilate asked Jesus Christ a question for the ages: “What is truth?” (John 18:38)  Christian disciples have keen awareness that truth is never relative (as some suggest), but truth is immutable, revelatory, life-changing and eternal.  To wit, TRUTH IS JESUS CHRIST.  In His words, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)  While we aim to be life-long learners, any so-called knowledge that does not fully engage and embrace Christ is sheer folly.  It is devoid of truth, and thus totally lacking in wisdom.

 I am personally persuaded that the Apostle Paul got it right.  His highest ambition was simply this: “That I may know HIM, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.” (Philippians 3:10)  Whether we realize it or not, whether the world is conscious of it or not, their spirits are still crying out, “We would see JESUS!”  After all, HE is the truth about TRUTH.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!