Note before sharing the devotional: Back in January 2021, I wrote this post. I was angry (righteously, I believe) at what I was seeing in the world at the time, including those that had been prominently in my life over the previous decade in all of my connection areas, and I was able to quickly identify one of the key root causes as to how two large groups of people could see the same events and draw absolutely opposite conclusions. I was able to identify it as quickly as I did, having spent the previous decade in therapy and witnessing first-hand some of the thought processes (and their fallacies) that led folks to not only believe what they believe but also be able to be confident enough to defend it.
I've seen it work the other way as well: people who respond the same way when being confronted about their behavior and how it hurts others. The only difference is that the group of people mentioned in the above paragraph called it "my truth," while the people that I've had to endure simply call it "the truth" and then double down and throw it back in my face when I call them out for lying.
I vote conservative because of the policies. Since switching from where I was before, I've seen with fresh eyes how liberal policies have been causing damage to our society for generations and how, over the last decade-plus, they have continued to corrupt new generations of people to such degrees that I would never have thought possible even ten years ago. One of my close friends has even referred to the Democratic party as "the party of sin." I agree with him. At this point, I don't think I'll ever go back.
But conservative "psychology" -- What do you mean you don't know how to handle this situation?! You're supposed to be an adult! How old are you now?? Well you're just going to have to suck it up and figure it out for yourself! It's a natural part of life! You need to stop being a snowflake and grow up for once! -- falls flat for me, especially considering the road I've been on my whole life. This feeble attempt at "psychology" is either lazy, selfish, or stupid. Or some combination of the above. After all, God judges people (both Christians and non-Christians) who see a need and refuse to step in and provide the help that the person actually needs.
I'll take it a step further: I have repeatedly witnessed first-hand how the "help" 🞺 that is offered is not only not helpful, but the attempted "helper" defends their intentions and attempts to put the burden on the one who needs help to just settle and accept the help that is offered, regardless of whether it meets their needs or not. Even further, I've witnessed repeatedly the attempted "helper" proceed to become upset and offended if the recipient shows any lack of gratefulness for the "help" by pitifully responding, "well I was just trying to help..." Not to mention, sometimes the attempted "helper" has gone so far as to blame the recipient for being ungrateful.
🞺 By the way, the same as written above has also applied to the giving of gifts. Slightly different scenario, same dance.
The bottom line is, it doesn't matter whether a person says, "well, my truth is..." followed by a statement defending their behavior even after being called out, or whether a person says, "well, you're just being/doing..." followed by some bogus accusation that reveals the person refusing to take ownership of their own reactions or feelings. At this point, po-TAY-to, po-TAH-to. Sin is sin, and refusal to accept accountability for one's own emotions, words, actions, and behaviors is the same no matter what one's belief system is. For people who preach "personal responsibility", I would challenge them to practice it, too, in all their ways, and not just in certain ways that they want.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6, NKJV (emphases mine)
Everything I just shared above is a big part of why I love both the above Bible verse and the below devotional. The truth is the truth. The truth is objective. The truth is not partial to one side or another.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32, NKJV
I'm finding I'm needing it more than ever. I am so weary of fighting, which is why the theme of rest has been so appealing to me. The truth of God's Word provides it for you and for me.
The Truth of God
What is truth? Our world has many ways of answering this question. Often, this is what we see: truth is whatever you want it to be. It’s defined by the individual and nothing else.
God’s definition is different.
God is the Ruler and Creator of the universe. Everything He speaks is truth. He, being perfect, is completely incapable of lying. It is not in His nature! He is the only faultless source of truth that has ever existed.
And guess what? We have access to truth directly from God!
What God says is the foundation of His Word. The Bible is our path to discovering and knowing truth; more steady and solid than the opinions we hear, the information we see around us, or the feelings we feel. This truth never changes.
John 8:32 says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” When we know the truth, we are no longer living according to a lie. This is when we become free to live according to how God designed us to live. What a gift that He has made this truth available to us in His Word. It's right there at our fingertips!
Today, where do you need God's truth to replace lies in your life? Remember, truth brings freedom! His Word is available to you at all times. He is inviting you to step into truth and freedom today.