Parents make key decisions when raising children. Some of this revolves around what foundational priorities are set. For Mary and me, this anchored itself in the importance of telling the truth. Disobedience and defiance weren’t overlooked, but they were secondary to trustworthiness. And now, over forty years later, I still think this prevailing priority is vital.
At a very practical level I require and rely on this personally. For instance, Dr. Sarah Bell at Parker Vision very recently sorted out an infection for me. And just before that, Ryan at Lighthouse Sprinklers worked through the complicated details of a malfunctioning watering system. And always reliable are Chance, Grant and Troy at Hometown Tire Pros.
I go back to these folks because I trust them. They tell me the truth, even if it’s not what I want to hear. And yes, they tell me the truth when they’re not sure about something. I engage them because they don’t have a hidden agenda or a cloaked motive.
Truthfulness is not only vital when raising children, or buying new tires. It’s not only important when you’re sorting through a medical issue, or an irrigation system on the fritz, it’s absolutely essential to have a civil society.
Policy disagreements will always exist, but a culture that ignores the truth is destined for destruction. Tim Keller puts it this way, “There is no higher priority for a healthy society than to have truthful communication.”
Lewis Smedes underscores this when he writes, “Truthfulness is one more invisible fiber that holds people together in humane community. When we cannot assume that people communicating with us are truthful, we cannot live with them in trust.”
Truth is never optional. It’s indispensable to a society that desires to live in unity with diversity. As resilient image bearers, we can deal with tremendous adversity. Together. With clarity that is anchored in the truth.
Allowing ourselves to live with a lie because the truth is uncomfortable is never charitable or compassionate. Exaggerating an outcome or story because it amplifies my point, regardless of how righteous that point might be, is never an appropriate path forward.
Whether
it’s in the pulpit or on the campaign trail. Whether it’s in a glossy brochure,
or on a website. Truth matters. Even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.
There is no order in deception. A momentary victory, perhaps. Another term in
office, possibly.
I am grateful for the people in my life who cultivate trust. They nurture it,
not by being perfect, but by being honest.
What was true for young lives in our household, remains true in the halls of
power.
Trust is indispensable. Truth is non-negotiable.
The ends, delivered through deception, are not worth the price.
And yes, if you need an eye appointment, auto repair, or a sprinkler diagnosed,
I have a solution for you. Should we be any less discerning with our pastors or
our politicians?
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