Why truth matters

At a time of uncertainty and danger such as this we look for information and guidance to come from those who are in a position to give it.

We should listen to advice and restrictions from the medical experts in the NHS or the government for one simple reason: it could save lives.

To ignore their advice and flout the restrictions could have lethal consequences for us or for anyone we come into contact with.

When lives are at stake it’s obvious that we must seek out those who are experts and listen to what they say.

It’s obvious that there is a correct way to behave that will help us get through this crisis with as many lives as possible saved.

It takes a crisis like this for that to be brought into sharp focus.

When life is comfortable and there seems to be little at stake, we find it so easy to ignore advice from those in the know.

Before this crisis happened how many of us practiced strict personal hygiene in or outside the home? How many of us bothered to wash our hands after using the bathroom or before a meal?

When life is comfortable we tend to do things that keep us comfortable, even if that means ignoring advice from those wiser or better informed than ourselves. We justify this by saying things like “You do it your way and I’ll do it my way” or “Everyone’s way is equally good” or “There is no one right answer”.

For many Christians today this same attitude applies to their approach towards God.

They may say things like “There are many different ways to reach God” or “Everyone’s beliefs are equally good” or “There is no absolute truth where God is concerned”.

In most cases these statements will have been made in all sincerity and in a genuine attempt to try and make the church a more inclusive or loving environment.

Yet Jesus himself said there was only one way to reach God:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” (John 14:6-7)

He also said:

“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.” (John 14:23-24)

And:

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the spirit of truth.” (John 14:15-17)

Faith in God and a life centred around Jesus isn’t a matter of doing it our own way or finding our own “truth”. It’s about listening to what they teach us and living accordingly.

Your life is at stake when it comes to your relationship with God, just as much as it is at stake with regard to the coronavirus.

Yet whereas the worst thing the coronavirus can do is end your life, your relationship with God will affect whether you receive life or condemnation eternally when Jesus returns from heaven.

Truth matters and the only place to learn the truth about eternal life is from God’s message in the Bible.