February 14th, 2017

  
                                    What Is Truth?
 
I rarely agree with Stephen Colbert’s political views, but his satirical take on American politics often makes me laugh and think!  [Though I have to admit I’m way too old to stay up and watch “The Late Show,” so most of my Colbert exposure comes from the Internet]  Sometime ago Colbert coined a new phrase called “wikiality,” which he defines as: “A reality where, if enough people agree with a notion, it becomes the truth.”  His word is really a combination of the words “Wikipedia” and “reality”.  Colbert explains that on Wikipedia “any user can change any entry, and if enough users agree with them, it becomes true.”  To prove his point Colbert told his viewers to go on Wikipedia and edit the article on elephants to say that the “Elephant population of Africa has tripled over the past six months.”  They did so and eventually Wikipedia had to shut down the article to prevent further edits.
 
We are living in a day of wikiality.  Truth is whatever the majority says it is.  In some ways we are not all that different from the first century.  As Jesus stood before the Roman Governor Pilate he declared, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:37).  Pilate sarcastically replies “what is truth?”  (John 18:38)
 
In this culture of “wikiality” and “alternative facts” I am glad there is still a compass that points true north.  There is a source of truth that can’t be influenced by opinion polls.  My Jesus and His words are unchanging.  “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)  When all the opinionated voices seem so confusing, it helps to look to Jesus, the ultimate source of truth.
 
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
 
 
If you would like to comment or if you have questions for Pastor Barry you may direct those to bglawson75@gmail.com.   We would love to hear from you.