What is the Big Deal About Truth?

It is a sad commentary on our culture that the word “truth” has become a hot topic.  From television news channels to major magazines, it seems as if everyone talking about truth.  Much of it was fueled by White House counselor Kellyanne Conway who introduced us to the term “alternative fact.”  She was explaining that a statement from White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was not a lie.  A fact is a “fact.” There can be no such thing as an “alternative truth.”  Truth is reality in its truest form.  A truth is an indisputable fact, proposition or principle. A “lie” is the exact opposite, an “untruth".  A lie is a false statement made with the intent to deceive.  I am left to wonder how far we have fallen since George Washington made the statement, “I cannot tell a lie,” when asked if he did it. 

The search for truth, and its meaning, is nothing new.  In the midst of Jesus’ trial it is Pilate who inquired, “What is truth?”  Like many leaders today, he was in a dilemma.  Do I follow my conscience and do what is I know is right or listen to the demands of the world? It is ironic that Pilate posed the question to the individual who had defined himself as, “The way, the ‘truth’ and the life” (John 14:4).  Jesus promises to guide us into that “truth” by providing us with the Holy Spirit who will, “guide you into the truth” (John 16:13).  

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with a variety of messages it is more important than ever to look to the Holy Spirit to “guide us into the truth.”  More importantly, we are called to be people of “the Truth.” That is especially the case when we are surrounded by so many teens and young adults who like Pilate are asking “What is truth?”  It is our responsibility to let them see that there are two basic truth: The Law, “We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23) and the Gospel, “And we are justified by His grace that came through Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).”  That is a reality that must be lived through our actions, otherwise our words are hallow.  

Redefining Sexuality

“So God created man in his image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.”

(Genesis 1:27)

As a child of God I still believe the above is the way God created humanity.  There are men and there are women.  I am also aware that my perspective is viewed as “old fashion” and out of step by many in today’s world.  I try hard to accept that and not be intolerant.  I even have contact on regular basis with people who are gays and lesbians, some I even consider friends.  I really strive to love and accept people where they are at.  I sincerely believe that is what Jesus calls us to do.  I have grown comfortable with being uncomfortable, but now that comfort level is being challenged again.

The cover article in the most recent issue of Time Magazine focuses on how a new generation is changing the way we view genders.  Millennials seem to be at the forefront in the change. According to Time, “A growing number of young people are moving beyond the idea that we live in a world where sexuality and gender come in only two forms.”  You might think be thinking, sure there is gay, and lesbian and transgender, etc. but it is more complicated than that.  According to time article, Facebook now has sixty options for user’s gender.  That includes options like, queer, bisexual and non-binary.  If the article is correct, 20% of millennials identify as something other than strictly straight or cisgender (someone who identifies with the sex they were assigned at birth).  Now granted, the survey might be biased since it was done the LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD, but even if it is half that at 10%, we are dealing with a good segment of society.  According the same survey, 7% of baby boomers also claim a sexual orientation that is outside what I consider traditional.

As I tried to process this new information three thoughts come to mind.  First off: None of this changes who I am.  My belief is still that God created two distinct sexes, male and female.  I also believe marriage is the sacred estate involving one man and one woman.  God promises to bless such unions.  Secondly: The search for identity is nothing new for teens and young adults.  In the past the quest to discover “who I am” focused on personality, talents and self-image.  In our diverse culture where young people are exposed to so many different messages it is to be expected that some might to try to define their sexual identity as well.  The final reality is that teens and young adults often do not have the resources to always make wise choices.  Experts tell us that the brain is not fully developed until the mid-twenties.  As a result young people are not always able to process their feelings and emotions.  In light of that, it is easy to see how even their sexual identity might be called into question.  Part of that search for identity might mean incorporating what they have learned in church with what the world is saying. 

Where does all this leave us?  First off, I think we need to continue to model God’s plan in our own personal lives.  That means practicing our own sexuality in a wholesome and God-pleasing manner.  That includes the sanctity of marriage.  I believe it also challenges us to be available to listen to and mentor young people as they struggle with contemporary issues like their own sexual identity.  Don’t jump to conclusions and don’t preach.  Lastly, we need to continue to be people who practice grace.  It is a challenge to love people where they are at, but I think that is what Jesus calls us to do.  We are called to love others unconditionally, even if we do not agree with them, or the lifestyle they chose.

Facebook is Not Cool

I enjoy Facebook. When I last checked, I had over 1,250 “friends” on the social media site.  I have found it a great way to stay in touch with family out of state, network with friends and keep up with people who were part of my ministry at one time.  I have also found Facebook a great way to network with people who want to follow my ministry.  I have tried Twitter, and still have account but quite frankly have never gotten in to it.  It probably has something to do with having to limit myself to one hundred and forty-four characters.  I guess I am too wordy for that.

I recently read an article that caused me to reconsider my time on Facebook. Evidently Facebook is for “old people” and if I want to stay in touch with millennials my time would be better invested elsewhere.  It seems that Facebook is not cool.  While it is still the top social media site, many young adults are avoiding it.  While 70% of Americans access Facebook on a weekly basis, but only 36% of those users are ages 18-34.  While that is still a good number of young adults, it pales in comparison to other social media sites. 

For millennials, Instagram and Snapchat are where the action is.  Instagram is a distant second to Facebook in popularity with 32% of American using the service weekly, but almost half (46%) of those are millennials.  Snapchat is the fourth most popular behind Twitter with 25% of American accessing the service weekly, but over half of those (53%) are between the ages of 18-34.  By my calculations that means over 80% of millennials use those services. 

I guess I should not be surprised.  For one thing, young folks have avoided Facebook because so many “older adults,” like their parents, utilize the social media site.  I think a better reason is that Instagram and Snapchat allows them to communicate in a way that is more in their comfort zone.  Both rely more on visual images than words.  Instagram is not just about pictures.  Recently it has offered the option of video and even live streaming.  Snapchat introduced the concept of using your phone’s camera has a way to send messages.   An additional advantage is the fact that messages disappear as soon as they are read.  Sound to me like you can even say anything you want without being held accountable.

If there is a message here, it is that those who want to communicate with millennials need to learn to speak their language and communicate on their level.  As for me, I will continue to use Facebook, even if it makes me “uncool, but am going to have to check out this Instagram thing, at least.