Global warming this! Global warming that! It seems that everywhere you turn, people are discussing the topic. On one hand we are told that the planet has warmed by a whopping .6 of a degree and, because of such, the world as we know it will be in catastrophic circumstances within the next ten years. On the other hand, science also tells us that the planets Mercury, Mars…and Pluto (though not technically considered a planet anymore), have also warmed, prompting some to ask whether or not these planets are inhabited by “big industry, SUV driving aliens.” On one hand we are told we must reduce our carbon footprint by purchasing “carbon credits.” On the other hand, isn’t 90% of the carbon produced by plants and vegetation, through the natural order of things? On one hand it is all man’s fault – namely the inhabitants of the United States – who created an industrial complex, spewing filth into the sky. Yet, on the other hand, at least 50% of the .6 degree warming trend occurred before big industry was even part of our landscape.
It is confusing, especially given the desire and ability of some to spew their rhetoric loud, but perhaps not so clear. One might be tempted to compare this ongoing debate to the religious world about us – with its many voices clamoring “we have the truth…we have the truth…don’t listen to others…we have the truth…others are wrong…we have the truth.” Just like with the global warming debate, I am sure there is a truth and I doubt it is as dramatic as most would want it to be.
Yet, just like the global warming debate, it should not take us long to figure out, the real problem is not found in asking what truth is, but in asking whether or not we are truly interested in what is true. Many will believe the planet has warmed and it is all man’s fault (rather than just a natural cycle) not because of the evidence, but because they are of a particular philosophical and political bent. Their interest is politics and being right, not what is true. The information they do have is often biased and lopsided and, yet, that seems okay to them.
When it comes to Christianity, however, assuming such a position is errant. Paul said, “Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. Avoid the appearance of evil.” In other words, YOU (as an individual) must seek truth by examination of “all things.” It means you can determine a difference between good and evil. It means when wrong appears you flee from it, regardless of how much it convicts you or how wrong you may have been in your assumptions.
In this day, seek that truth for the sake of having truth. Cling to it when it is found, regardless of what it demands. Make your Christianity personal! Why? Knowing truth (and this includes living your way through it) brings freedom!
Ed
