Truth is that which corresponds to reality.
Truth exists whether I believe it does or not. It exists independent of my beliefs, even my beliefs about it. My beliefs do not make up truth. On the contrary, truth should shape, fire up and give life to my beliefs and convictions. Truth is the basis, the foundation on which I must build my beliefs, my life.
Truth is absolute—there can be no two ways about it. Truth, once defined and nailed down, exposes what is false. It is an unshakable foundation. It’s this foundational feature that defines it as having integrity and strength. It’s a sharp sword that divides my thoughts into what is real and what is not. It is thus a standard against which I may compare and contrast my thoughts, evaluate my perceptions, set up a value system upon which to build my life.
We are surrounded by it whether we acknowledge it’s existence or not. I am often blind to it. Sometimes I see it but choose to ignore it. And my perception of it can be faulty and cloud what it really means. Sometimes I deny it’s existence. Or I choose to be complacent, never ever searching for it or trying to grasp it’s substance.
Then there are times I take a part of truth that appeals to me and carefully shape and construe that part into a belief that suits my personal needs. I realize that these personal versions are constantly created and modified, generation after generation. I am born into a world that is flooded with these diluted, twisted, contradictory assumptions and modifications that are labelled ‘truth’. They surround me. Sometimes, they hedge me in. Wanna-be truths vying for my attention. They are attractive and appealing. How easy it is to embrace them as truth without ever testing them!
Truth cannot be relative. We do not define what it is. What isn’t truth can be only one thing—not the truth: watered down truth, falsehood, deception, a lie, or a lie dressed up as truth and masquerading as the real thing.
Altered versions don’t change it. Truth exists and always will, regardless of my attempts to ignore it, discredit it, mask it, change it or even destroy it. Truth is universal—it is there for anybody who wants to embrace it and make it their own.
He who seeks truth will find a lasting treasure. And truth will set him free.
© shini abraham, from Treasures in Darkness: duco divina – contemplative doodling
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