Let us now meditate on what is truth and realize the incredible value of truth by analyzing a short story on truthfulness.
What is Truth? The Meaning of Truth
Truth is the self-expression of God as the Old Testament refers to the Supreme Being as the God of Truth (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 31:5; Isaiah 65:16). Truth flows from God and is dependable and everlasting. It is in tune with the character, will, and being of the Creator. The Almighty One is the source, author, judge, administrator, and final standard of all truth.
The Holy One never lies, always keeps His Word, and is steadfast in His promises. He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Romans 3:4; Titus 1:2) since in His very nature He is loyal, devoted, and reliable.
Jesus said of Himself, I am the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6). With this statement, the Son of God asserts and emphasizes His deity status. He is the perfect expression of God and the complete personification of all truth. Christ is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being… (Hebrews 1:3).
Jesus called Himself the truth (John 14:6); was full of . . . truth (John 1:14 and Ephesians 4:21); told the truth (Mark 12:32, John 8:40, John 8:45–46, and John 16:7); whose words are true (Revelation 21:5 and Revelation 22:6); taught the way of God in truth (Matthew 22:16, Mark 12:14, and Luke 20:21); taught about the truth (John 8:31–32 and John 17:17); and came into the world to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37).
The Holy Spirit is also called the “Spirit of Truth” as He guides us into all truth (John 16:13). He will speak what He hears and discloses what is to come. We should worship God in spirit and truth since He is Spirit (John 4:24).
Lies and deception only bring transgressions, injustices, abuses, illnesses, adversities, and bondages. Only when we study the laws of God and apply them in our lives, we have a chance to escape, and that is the ultimate, constant, and unchangeable truth that keeps us whole. The truth will set us free from sin and eternal destruction.
1 Short Story on Truthfulness in the Holy Bible (Acts 5:1-11)
One of the scariest stories in the Holy Bible is the unforeseen demise of the husband and wife duo of Ananias and Sapphira. There was a practice among Christian believers in the first century of selling their properties or possessions and giving the money raised to the church to help those in need. The believers were so close to each other and were morally obligated to see that no one goes hungry. Though this was not an official requirement of the early Christian Church in Jerusalem, those who shared their resources were looked upon positively.
Let us now delve into the story of Ananias and Sapphira, which shows us that our Heavenly Father demands total honesty from us, reminds us that He will not be mocked and that He will judge us guilty of our trespasses. Though their punishment seems too harsh, we have to realize that their actions endangered the very existence of the original Christian church.
Ananias and Sapphira were considered to be faithful followers of Christ in the church. They were a married couple, who sold a piece of land they owned. They pocketed a share of the money they had received but tried to mislead others into thinking they had given it all to God’s ministry.
It happened so that Ananias brought a part of the proceeds of the sale and laid at the apostles’ feet. With his wife’s complete knowledge, he kept back a portion of the money for himself. Peter saw through his dishonesty and contended with Ananias. Peter asked him why did Ananias lie to the Holy Spirit and kept back some part of the money. When it remained unsold, it was his own, and after it was sold off, the money was at his disposal. He berated Ananias about the stage-management of such an act and reprimanded him for lying to God and them.
Now when Ananias heard what Peter said, he fell and died. The people who were there were greatly distressed and started to fear. His body was wrapped and carried out of the place and buried.
After three hours, Sapphira, Ananias’ wife, came to the house, unaware of what had befallen her husband. The Apostle Peter asked her whether she and her husband sold the land for a particular price. She confirmed the price. Peter was dismayed and told her how come that both of them agreed to put the Holy Spirit to the test, and the people who have buried her husband will also carry her out. At once, she fell at his feet and breathed her last. The young men at the door who carried her husband’s body lifted her and buried her near her spouse’s body.
Then, there was great fear among the church members and people who heard of these things.
Ananias and Sapphira were chastised for deceitfully lying about the sale price. They could have kept part of the money if they wanted, but willfully lied to God as if they had given the entire amount. They were persistent in their clandestine deception and did not show any remorse for their deed. They also lied to the community, which believed their generosity was a sign of their authenticity. This was the first instance of problems in the early church where all believers in Christ were together and shared everything (Acts 2:44).
Ananias and Sapphira died at Peter’s feet though he did not curse them nor committed any violent act against them. Their primary sin was their conspiratorial lying which would have split the Christian community around that time. They not only tried to diminish the apostles’ authority but also denied God’s presence. God hated their insincere behavior as this type of conduct would have spread among the church members like a virus. In lying to the fellowship, they also lied to the Spirit of God.
The major lesson we can glean from this story is that we should be truthful to the Absolute Being, who is worthy of total obedience, as He is omnipresent and omniscient. Whenever we pray, confess our sins, or ask Him anything, we should it with a sincere and contrite heart.
We should understand that the Godhead does not tolerate hypocrisy and will protect the holiness and reputation of the church at all costs.
The Great Value of Truth
The value of truth lies in its accuracy, and we are unlikely to question the veracity if it comes from a reliable source. The Bible’s authenticity has been confirmed by many historians and archaeologists over the centuries. More importantly, millions of people have experienced the life-transforming and redemptive power of God’s Word for more than 2,000 years. The value of truth in the Bible is the engine that enables many of us to witness the love, purity, authority, and wisdom of God in our lives.
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