We like the idea of truth when it benefits us, when it makes us feel good. But sometimes truth is difficult to accept or comprehend. Sometimes it hurts. And when it hurts, we push against it. We avoid or deny or try to explain it away.
Truth is an acquired taste.
It is much easier to deceive ourselves, to dodge the sometimes convicting truths of self-awareness, than to face it with courage and humility. We tend to defend, deflect, and rationalize.
A choice to permit deception is a shackle on our souls. False perspective entraps us. Perpetuating deception eliminates choices. But we have the key to unlock these chains.
Adopting a true perspective centers on a willingness to pursue the truth. To ask ourselves, “what is true?” rather than “what do I want to be true?”
John tells us that truth is fully available through adherence to the teachings of Jesus. The truth sets us free. It unlocks the chains of inaccuracy and falsity. Freedom may not feel like we imagined – it comes with the companionship of responsibility – but it is freedom nonetheless. Beautiful, complicated freedom.
It takes courage and boldness to pursue the truth. And although pursuing truth is difficult, in the end, there is nothing sweeter. Nothing more nourishing or necessary. Nothing more challenging and nothing more freeing.