Uncomfortable Truth
The German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, is quoted to have said: “The strength of a person’s spirit would…be measured by how much ‘truth’ he could tolerate, or more precisely, to what extent he needs to have it diluted, disguised, sweetened, muted, falsified.”
I think this is true. It does seem that the strength of one’s character and maturity of one’s spirit is tested by how much uncomfortable truth one can tolerate. My experience has found often that the people who have been through the most horrible things of life, yet still believing in truth, are the best at tolerating painful truths.
These people, having grown up around the confusion of lies and innuendo, have had their senses trained to grasp the need to intentionally seek the truth. For the person who has lived in the air of comfort and privilege, not having their senses trained in discomfort, it is difficult to hear truth when it is painful.
Truth Seekers
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life…” Jesus made it His vision for His followers to be truth seekers. I’m not sure any of us can manifest who we are without the truth. The pathway to being who we can truly be is found in seeking truth. Seeking and finding truth is what makes us human.
The truth sets us free. But the problem is truth also destroys the falsehoods we have relied on. It’s not easy.
When the things we once believed in are shown to be false, it is often easier to deny the truth than to face it. This has been my struggle for the past three years. Through COVID-19, shutdowns, vaccinations, and censorship, I have had to come face to face with the lies and propaganda of our American culture. It’s uncomfortable to seek truth. It’s not fun to find out that our once trusted institutions are lying to us.
It’s uncomfortable to seek truth these days. But it does set us free. It’s worth it. It’s the only way to stay authentic in a fake world.
Pastor Steve
