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A person holding a lit lantern on a dark hillside shows the importance of discerning truth in a world of misinformation.

Discerning Truth in a Post-Truth Era 

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In a time where truth seems to shift constantly, finding our way can feel like sailing without a compass. But as followers of Christ, we’re not adrift. We are given a beacon, a guide that shines through darkness—God’s Word. We can anchor ourselves in that truth, a truth that doesn’t waver or bend. This is the way of discerning truth.

The Unchanging Truth in Scripture 

It is our privilege and responsibility as Christians to immerse ourselves God’s Word, the ultimate source of truth. In navigating uncertainty, Scripture stands as the anchor. But it’s best to approach it with humility, letting it shape us without twisting its meaning to fit our preferences. 

The Bible is more than a book; it is a life map, revealing God’s character and love for His creation. Diving into the verses, chapters, and stories that make up the Bible is an act of faith, a step toward truth that’s relevant today. To protect the integrity of Scripture, we need to understand its context—historical, cultural, and literary. The truth it held then holds true now, but only when we see the whole picture. 

Discerning Truth for Ourselves 

Truth is a precious commodity often diluted by the digital age’s waves of information. Discerning truth is key. We must sift through facts and false information with a critical eye.  

Today, belief can be formed at the click of a button. Online, truth and lies mingle freely. It’s up to us to separate them, using critical thinking and seeking validation from reliable sources. By doing so, we can refine our understanding of what is true. 

A woman's hands hold a pen over a blank notebook page along with an open Bible as she works on discerning truth.

Living Out Truth in Faith 

Our faith is not a possession but a living, breathing relationship. It grows as we engage with God, as we live out the truth in our everyday lives. It is seen in the way we treat others, in our pursuit of righteousness, in our choices. By aligning our lives with God’s truth, we become beacons of light in a world that often stumbles in the darkness. 

The truth is not a passive force. It shapes our character, influences our relationships, and guides us toward the right path. It compels us to grow, to love, and to engage with the world in a way that reflects the God we serve. 

Building a Community of Truth-Seekers 

Cultural relativism says truth is flexible and that right and wrong are subject to personal interpretation. But our response should be grounded in the rock-solid truth of God, no matter which changes the culture endures. 

God did not intend followers of Jesus to walk alone. Together, we are stronger and strengthen each other’s job of discerning truth. We need one another—our shared experiences, our diverse perspectives. By engaging with one another in love, we can encourage and strengthen our pursuit of truth. That’s what Christian fellowship is all about: a tight-knit group grounded in truth, holding each other up through thick and thin. 

Listen now to a short segment of this Abide meditation based on John 17:17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” Let God speak to your heart about discerning truth.

When the information around us swirls with fake news and half-truths, discerning truth isn’t just about being smart—it’s an important part of our spiritual growth. It’s the foundation we build our lives on, the guiding light in life’s storms. So today, dive deeply into this truth to find wisdom in God’s Word and to live out a faith that stands strong against today’s misinformation. 

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