In recent years, there has been a major push proclaiming personalized truth. You will hear, “I need to live out my truth”, or “Who are we to question their truth.” What this really is, is a clever way to shut down conversation that would possibly contradict or question their narrative.
What they fail to understand, is that their truth, is really their perspective, and the truth about perspectives, is that they are often outright false or at best, incomplete. I look at the last ten years of my life and realize that as wisdom increased by age and experience, and new information came to light, my perspectives have greatly changed. I can imagine that in the years to come, I will continue to reshape and change the perspectives I hold now. This, awakens a humility in knowing that my beliefs are incomplete.
We as humans are easily tricked. Our “truths” are often manipulated by emotion, and are warped and deluded by them. We live with major blind spots that our egos desperately try to protect itself from. We as people, will generally do everything we can to protect the narrative we believe to be true. Instead of looking at events objectively, we generally fill in the missing pieces and interpret the data through the lens of our preconceived conclusions. Unfortunately, most people lack the self awareness to even realize it is happening.
In a world of post modernism, truth has been replaced by individual presuppositions that hinder any chance of objective reasoning and fair conclusion. We see this in our politics, and we see this in our philosophies. We see this play out as our cities burn and more and more people become the victims of violence and hatred. We see this play out in our media as they fan the flames that are ever consuming our city blocks.
With most narratives, there are elements of truth. The most successful lies are wrapped in a warm outer shell of truth, hiding the fallacies that lye just beneath the surface. There is a war raging against our hearts and minds. There is a war that is raging against our souls. Sifting through the chaff to get to the wheat is no easy task, but the cost of ignoring it, is too great.
As true objectivity takes the back seat, I am greatly concerned about the world that I will leave my children to. The spirit of this world is evil, and it is raging through our streets. It is the spirit of narcissism, greed, hatred, and deception.
There is only one remedy. It is Christ. Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest for your souls.” The yoke of the world is heavy, the yoke of Christ is gentle and sweet. We must move away from self love and move towards the God who created the life you live. The two greatest commandments are these, love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your Neighbor as yourself. Imagine a world where each of us loved the people around us. Unfortunately, as we look around, we have moved in the opposite direction.
As the coming months unfold, I want to encourage you to sift through the chaff. Look at things with an objective eye and look out for those who are trying to manipulate the narrative for self gain. For those of us who desire unity, true unity only comes from the God who created all things. Proclaim the gospel, not with the loudest voice, but with love and humility. Most of the problems we face in our 2020 society could be solved by loving the people that have been placed in front of you.
The world is confusing and social matters often seem complex, but when we break it down to its common denominator, it often comes down to whether or not we have acted in love. Put down your sword, and love your neighbor.
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘put your sword in its place, for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword'” – Mathew 26:22
“Our heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” – Jeremiah 17:9
Rogue Journal 