Is It True?

We live in a world where it is becoming increasingly difficult to separate truth from falsehood.

A few years ago, the phrase “fake news” became popular. Some social media sites posted warnings that content may be untrue. There were also concerns that biases were influencing these censors’ views of what was true.

Truth is essential for a healthy spiritual and emotional life. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, ESV). In a world where absolute truth is often dismissed as an obsolete idea, we must ask, “What did Jesus mean when he said the above?”

Fortunately, Jesus told us exactly what he meant in the previous verse. The most important part of this statement is, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples” (John 8:31). Jesus wasn’t just referring to his teachings (though he certainly included that), but as the “Word of God” made flesh (see John 1:1), he was referring to all of Scripture. To paraphrase, he said, “If you fully embrace me and what I teach, you’ll find the truth that’s necessary to live a life of freedom.”

The apostle Paul told the early believers in Philippi to pray concerning their needs and that the peace of God would then guard their hearts. However, that’s not the whole story. He goes on to tell them to set their minds on several things. The first is whatever things are true.

The devil is a liar. Jesus, speaking of the devil, said, “He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

When you combine these passages, you understand that one of the primary ways God defends our hearts and minds is through the truth of his Word. Is your heart troubled? Are you worried? Go to God and his Word. In it, you will find the God of peace who wants to give you his peace.

^{Mark Renfroe and his wife, Amy, have been involved in field missions work for 30 years. Mark served as the area director for Assemblies of God World Missions and currently serves as the chief missions officer for World Challenge.}