Zechariah 8:16-17 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.

These are some pretty clear instructions, and they seem to me to be very applicable to America right now. They apply both to personal interactions and to public life, specifically, the judicial system. America’s judicial system seems to me to be pretty messed up right now, but that may be because I’m not that familiar with what is going on in other countries. I’ve heard some pretty horrific tales from other countries, too. The over-all emphasis seems to me to be on truth. Things are coming out in the US right now that boggle the mind, with the details of “The Russia Hoax” coming out, with top government officials having committed perjury for political purposes and the like. And that applies on the personal level as well, just as it says here. God is Truth, and that instantly eliminates all the “my truth” and “your truth” nonsense. Whereas it is valid to say that truth isn’t necessarily the same thing as facts, they have a very intimate relationship! The ultimate truth is that God exists, and everything else comes from that truth. The minute we try to say that God doesn’t exist, or simply to ignore Him, then we get into all sorts of problems. Since our existence depends on Him, we need to seek out His character and will and act accordingly. He’s giving us a sample of that here, and we need to pay attention.

I had the huge advantage of being raised by a father who held absolute honesty as one of his core principles. That has made me very uncomfortable with lies, and I’m grateful. Literary fiction is a different matter, but I’m talking about things presented as truth. I have been very disgusted by noble-sounding fiction presented on the Internet as fact. There are plenty of genuinely true stories that could be told, and we should not be trying to manipulate people, even with good goals, by presenting fiction as fact. When I speak or write, I want people to have the assurance that my words are true, regardless of the subject. When I find I was mistaken about something, I need to make corrections as quickly and effectively as possible. When I follow the One who is the way, the truth, and the life, (John 14:6) I want His character to be reflected through me, for the blessing of those around me and for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You indeed for the parents You gave me, and for their example. May I be an accurate representation of Christ to all who see me, imperfect though I am, just as my parents were, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!