PSALM 119:29: “Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.” NLT
OBSERVATION: Today we live in a world of relativism. Relativism is defined in the following way.
Relativism: “The doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute.” (Oxford Dictionary)
Let’s put it in street terms. I can believe what I want. Truth is not absolute. Your truth is your truth and my truth is my truth. It does not depend on facts. My truth depends on how I feel, where I live, what I desire, or what society says I should be. I can pick and choose truth from a menu, much like picking a meal at a smorgasbord restaurant.
Truth is not absolute – it is relative.
This is all fine and good at first glance. It creates a truth that is comfortable and fits me perfectly. I can adjust my truth when I feel like it and when the occasion demands it. I don’t have to worry about what others view as reality because they have the same opportunity as I do. At first glance, this seems very attractive, unless…
The truth I have embraced is really a lie!
If I am embracing a lie, if my truth is actually a falsehood, it will ultimately lead me to a place of disappointment, frustration, and destruction. As I buy into the social construct of relativism I find myself both deceived by a non-truth and I begin to lie to myself. I convince myself that my truth is real while it is merely a lie dressed up in my own making. I am headed for an emotional and spiritual cliff and I am not even aware of it.
During this pandemic we have heard a phrase so often it has become a part of our vocabulary. “Follow the science!” Yet, this too has been tainted by relativism. Those who say this do not do what they say. Our politicians and those in places of authority are not following the science, they are following the reality or definition of it that fits their narrative and personal agendas. The populace is lost in an ever-changing list of rules and regulations that are more emotionally driven than scientifically determined.
Science: “The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.” (Oxford Dictionary)
Albert Einstien was one of the greatest scientists that ever lived. When he postulated the theory of relativity the scientific community mocked him. He was blocked from becoming a professor and began his career as a patent clerk. During these years he continued to write and explore his theories. Yet, they were only theories, and not science, until he was able to prove them absolutely with mathematics. Albert Einstein understood that truth was not relative, it was absolute. If it was true it could be proved and could not be altered!
Truth is absolute because it comes from a Creator. Science does not create truth it discovers the truth that already exists. This truth does not change. God does not change. God is not relative. God is absolute. If I choose to buy into false science and world views I find myself lying to myself and others. God loved us so much that He gave us both an intellect to explore truth, a world filled with His wonder, and the written Word of God as our guide.
The Psalmist declares,
- “Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.”
This sounds like a pretty good prayer for us today!
Lord, keep me from the deception of relativism. Keep me from lying to myself. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon me and allow me the privilege of discovering and knowing your truth. May I diligently search Your Word for every situation and for every decision that I make in my life? Keep me by Your Word for Your Word is the absolute expression of Your love!
In Jesus Name!
