Counterfeit or Real?- Spiritual Nugget 60

Given today's economy, many of us have become quite efficient in finding ways to make our money go further and last longer. Like those “old school” detectives, we follow the clues to find quality goods and services at a lower price.
 
Some seek to leverage their income by using “funny money” to pay for their goods or services. The recognizable term for this is “counterfeit” cash. Fake money can be produced simply by using graffiti bleach remover, glue, and an offset printer. More sophisticated modern technology involves plates, computers, scanners, inkjet printers, and a few other office supplies. The methods described are intended to deceive those who offer goods and services. They are paid with fake money.
 
Within our current environment, the intent to deceive has become as habitual as nail-biting. News accounts, advertisements, entertainment (movies, television), dramatizations, and political statements are often fertile ground where deception thrives.
 
If you have ever paid attention to the number of fact-checks conducted on assertions made by leaders and different personalities, you will appreciate the intensity of deception. Sadly, this constant practice of deceit has become second nature, making the standards of truth seem abnormal.
 
In its simplest definition, truth is an attitude of the will and mind. Its application covers:

• Logical Truth: The relationship between concepts or ideas and facts.

• Moral Truth: The spirit of humans in their relationship to God.

• Biblical Truth: The known will of God as the standard of truth.

 
We seem to be living in an era where speaking the truth is considered unrealistic, politically destructive, and too “religious.” Many people, in their ignorance, think the Bible is outdated and no longer relevant. In addition, philosophical theories attempt to clarify the definition of truth. But truth in speech and action is not merely a verbalization or behavior. Truth is a response of our will and an affirmation of who we are and the characteristics that define us as individuals.
 
Truth in people or groups should follow the nature and personality of God. He gave us the gift of freedom.(John 8:32) Man’s freedom of existence flourishes when he recognizes his dependence upon the faithfulness and grace of God. When we deceive or intend to deceive, we forfeit our freedom and replace it with fear. It requires a lot less effort to believe the lie or deception rather than to seek to learn the truth. Counterfeit statements and actions are like counterfeit money. Scrutiny or investigation will eventually expose the intent to deceive.
 
Truth is one of the most familiar words in our daily lives, but few of those are perceived as having an illusive definition. Nonetheless, some things about truth are undeniable:

• Truth will never be nullified. It is eternal!

• Truth recognizes there is power in seeking, speaking, and displaying truth.

• Truth is dependent upon God. It is impossible for God to deceive or lie.

 
The highest truth comes when we commit to follow the will of the Spirit of God.

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