Six Percent
"They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." -2 Timothy 4:4-5
A recent study reports that only 6 percent of teens today believe that moral truth is absolute. I knew it wouldn’t be high, but that’s really low. Not good. Young people today are basically saying that life is a sliding scale. Truth has become relative because it all depends on the situation.
In the world of athletics, there are many truths that cannot be relative, such as wins and losses. Imagine if every athlete defined winning differently—one by score, one by hustle, one by the best fans, and so on. It would be chaos! Fortunately—or unfortunately—winning is defined by the scoreboard. Life without truths, absolutes and boundaries leads to chaos.
Psalm 31:5 states that the Lord is the God of truth. God is our standard, and His Word isn’t just filled with truth, it is the truth. Many of us embrace the absolute truth (Jesus Christ), but we find it hard to apply that truth to others. We feel as if we are judging or condemning. It’s a hard line to walk, but remember that absolute truth is for everyone. And God wants to use us in the lives of others to help them understand that His truth can set them free.
We must hold fast to the truth and not compromise under any circumstances. As it states in Proverbs 23:23, “Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding” (NIV).We need to stand for the truth on and off the field of competition. We must not sell out.
So, are you part of the “Six Percent” Club or the “Ninety-Four Percent” Club?
1. How do you define truth? How would your friends define it?
2. When do you find it the most difficult to stand for the truth?
3. What happens when you do stand for the truth? Do others respect you, or do you experience ridicule, name-calling and isolation?
John 18:8; Romans 1:25; Ephesians 1:13
Lord, I know You are the Truth. Help me to have a clear head and pure heart so that truth is not compromised. Thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit so that the absolute truth is manifested. I desire to be Your agent of transformation by living and playing by Your truth. Amen.
