Does Truth Count?

    After being included in Oprah Winfrey’s famous book club, James Frey’s Memoir (A Million Little Pieces) quickly sold over 3.5 million copies.  But controversy erupted when questions arose about whether the stories contained in Frey’s book were true. 
    Edward Wyatt writes: “On January 11, 2005, Oprah Winfrey called in to CNN’s Larry King Live.  She defended the book and its author stating that the controversy over his truthfulness was ‘much ado about nothing,’ claiming that Frey’s writing was ‘the essential truth of his life.’  Oprah stated: ‘Although some of the facts have been questioned, the underlying message of redemption in James Frey’s memoir still resonates with me.  And I know that it resonates with millions of other people who have read his book.  It’s irrelevant discussing, you know, what happened or did not happen to the police.’  Reversing herself several weeks later after new information had come out confirming Frey’s dishonesty, Oprah apologized on her own show: ‘I regret that phone call,’ she said.  ‘I made a mistake and I left the impression that the truth does not matter. And I am deeply sorry about that because that is not what I believe. To everyone who has challenged me on this issue of truth, you are absolutely right.’” 
    I’m amazed at the attitude some people have toward truth.  Even in some Christian circles there is a lot of talk about how truth is not important. The “Jesus Seminar” folks, for example, tell us that the only important thing is that the myth of Jesus is alive and well.  Whether it’s true or not is unimportant. 
    If you dig into that one long enough you’ll see that the issue of truth is far more important than they suggest.  Because, they want you to conclude that the Holy Bible isn’t true, and that all you know about Jesus and Christian faith isn’t based on truth. 
    Truth is significant.  In real life, truth counts.  Don’t believe it?  Think with me for just a moment.  Is it important for husbands and wives to tell each other the truth?  Or, can they pawn off any old story that sounds logical?  Do you want businessmen to tell you the truth or is it acceptable for them to sell you junk at a premium price?  Should politicians be truthful or is it OK for them to say anything so they can be elected into office?  What do you prefer: lies or truth? 
    Truth is invaluable in every human discussion or transaction.  If the truth is not being spoken, somewhere along the line it will hurt you.  Yes, sometimes the truth hurts but in the long run the benefits far outweigh the lies.  The truth is like math: consistent. 
    Be in the habit of telling the truth because your words convey the content of your character.  The truth is rock solid: the same today and forever.  Lies mean absolutely nothing except cover-up.  When Mr. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man can come unto the Father, but by me,” He declared that we could stake our life on Him; He is solid, dependable truth.  J. C. is pastor of Joy Christian Ministries West Sacramento.

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