What Is Truth and Who Decides?

We are bombarded by so-called scientific studies coming out on both sides of issues. One that comes to mind is coffee. One study shows that it is bad for you another shows it is good for you. The good or bad of coffee can change from week to week depending on who pays for the latest "scientific study".

In our technological and scientific advanced society truth has become very fluid. Today's lies will, with enough advertising and publicity, become tomorrow's truths. Truth has become whatever a large enough group says it is. Like situations ethics truth has become a matter of time and place. This making of truth out of lies and lies out of truth has permeated all aspects of our lives.

Our government institutes regulations condoning lies. The example that comes to mind is food product labels. A product can be labeled as all beef and contain a percentage of pork. Our courts have ruled that a political candidate can openly lie about the opposition and it is considered a free speech right. We are constantly bombarded by advertisements that proclaim half truths and out and out false claims. It seems that our whole society is based upon falsehoods, some of which we treasure and vehemently defend, Santa Claus for one.
All these deceits and out and out lies are making life painfully difficult and in some cases actually killing us. We have drifted so far from truth that we no longer have any clear idea of what it is and why it is important.

Many of us consider ourselves religious and worshipers of God yet give no real thought to what is truth. Scripture tells us that we must bring truth into our worship of God. Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

What is truth? God's word is truth. Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Truth is something to be obeyed. Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, God's commandments are truth. Psa 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. God's law is truth. Psa 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

We must decide, will we allow God's word instruct us in the truth of how to worship God or will we continue in our own traditions? Jesus tells us that following our own religious traditions will not do.

Mar 7:7 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.
Mar 7:8 Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition.