5. Believe only the truth, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.

What is the absolute truth? What is the standard by which folks believe things? A truth is this day and age is a generally accepted piece of information that most people agree on. But what if we’re wrong? Simple stuff seems ok to believe because it may not threaten or challenge us directly. For example: It is the truth that fish live in water. Most of us are ok with this truth. Our own experiences have informed us even if no one has ever told us specifically that fish live in water. Our own experiences really make the truth our truth. We end up owning it because we know that we know that we know.

Now that we’ve come into agreement with that truth that was still a truth even before we knew about it, we ought to ask, “Who established that truth?” The same procedure ought to apply on the more complex issues of truth in our lives. Our own experiences pretty much establish our truths. But at the same time others can present some pretty convincing arguments as to why we should believe this that and the other thing.

Often times we measure that “idea” or “truth” against our experiences. The less experience we have, the more inclined we may be to believe that person or group. We evaluate the source and decide if they are reputable. We make a judgment on the information. Then ultimately we decide, “This is true or the truth.” And we believe that “truth” until we get some conflicting evidence or experience that causes us to question our belief system. We change our mind and position on that matter. That seems like a very unstable way to live.

How do we know what the real truth is? What is the real standard to measure all things by? Even at court, they say, “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” And yet people still lie. So how do we live by non-negotiable principle (# 5 – Believe only the truth, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else)?

First we must find a source that has an effective standard of measurement. I have searched high and low and in every place for the truth… through books, through teachings, in classes, through people, in nature. It seems no matter where I end up, no matter the direction, I always get pointed back to God. He is the source and He is the absolute truth. He is not separate from what He says and who He is. Truth is a being found in God. They are one in the same. I have experienced this for myself. As you begin to understand Him and His truth based on your own experiences, you do begin to change your mind and replace previous truths with new truth. He is a source worth checking out. Even if you don’t believe He is who He says He is, please find out why you believe that. Get to the source of your own truth and have your own personal experience with this “so-called” God so that you’re sure what you believe is the truth and not simply a great many misunderstandings handed to you from unreliable sources. What is your truth? What is the source of your truth?