Distrust becomes the rule of the land if deception is the coin of the realm

On the verge of the nation’s 231st birthday, we live in challenging times. We are having a national conversation about “alternative facts” and “fake news.”

We are led to ask, “Is there truth?” and “Where is it?” Pilate’s final question to Jesus was, “What is truth?” The irony is that “truth” itself sat right in front of him.

The other side of this coin is lying. Why do we lie? Sometimes we lie to inflate our image. At other times, it’s to cover our tracks. And then we lie to manipulate others. Being deceitful seems woven into the human fabric. Does it go all the way back to that incident in the Garden of Eden?

In this age of social media, our tendency to deceive others and our vulnerability to being deceived is heightened. Maybe because the climate of lying is so wide spread we long, with desperation, to find those who are trustworthy.

The Gospel of John is noteworthy in its mention of the “truth.” Some of the passages include: “We saw his glory ... full of grace and truth” (John: 1:14). Jesus, speaking for himself, attests, “If you make my word your home ... you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). And the well known quote, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14: 6).

Looking for someone trustworthy? I think I’ve found him.

For the Bible, truth refers to something solid and firm. God is trustworthy because his promises are solid and dependable. In a word, God is faithful. The biblical word for truth also refers to something that is transparent, not concealed, out of the shadows.

Biblical truth is that which is real and verifiable. Truth is someone you can trust, who fulfills his promises. Idols may make promises, but they cannot keep them.

There is a reason why the Ten Commandments includes one commandment about telling the truth. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. All of the commandments, including the eighth, have social implications. Not only is your personal integrity at stake if lying is your mode of operating, but any society has a difficult time functioning if we don’t tell each other the truth.

From the grocery store to the court system, from our schools to our churches, social interaction falls apart if we do not tell each other the truth. Lying is a sin and sinning is a lie. If I am not transparent, you cannot depend on me. If your marriage is based on a lie, it cannot stand. Distrust becomes the rule of the land if deception is the coin of the realm.

My own motivation to be truthful in speech and action is driven by my religious faith. When I am less than honest, my faith prods me with something called a conscience.

Our nation is founded upon the following: “We hold these truths ...” May these words be written on more than just paper.

This story was originally published June 29, 2017 at 6:49 AM with the headline "Distrust becomes the rule of the land if deception is the coin of the realm."