I have a theory. Does this resonate with you?
When people lie to us, and we have no evidence that they are lying, we have two different responses from two parts of our being. Our mind listens to what is being said, and finding no evidence to the contrary, agrees with the lie. But our spirit senses the lie at a spiritual level and is grieved. Whether our spiritual awareness is small or great, an incongruence now exists between our mind and spirit. Our spirit and mind are not resonating in unity and this creates discomfort in the emotional realm. Anxiety and mistrust are the result. We don’t understand any of this in our mind, but it happens anyway – the fruit of experiencing an unknown lie.
Think of the spouse who is betrayed by infidelity. They don’t know, but they do know. Anxiety, mistrust and turmoil grows. Or the boss who fires an employee, but gives a soft reason instead of the real reason. The employee’s mind is relieved, but the spirit knows otherwise. Anxiety results.
The solution to this angst is truth.
But for many, this is a problematic solution. Truth is often deemed too painful and therefore must be disguised or hidden. But if my above theory is true, then lies do greater damage in the long run, as they destroy inner peace. The best solution may be speaking the truth (with love, not hate). Truth accepted by the mind creates a united resonance with the spirit, and our emotions are therefore more at peace. And don’t we all want peace!
If this theory is true, then this has important implications for our lives not only as individuals but also as a society. For anxiety is rampant and we need to understand its causes. It begs the question – how much of our anxiety is the fruit of lies? It could be minimal, but I suspect it is enormous. For lies do not just come to us from individual relationships, but they also come from society as a whole. If the philosophy that we build our lives around is simply not true, then how much greater the anxiety and inner turmoil. We are building on sand.
As a deeply personal response, I believe that truth is found only in Jesus Christ. He is my ultimate peace. This is not theoretical for me. This is my experience on a daily basis, to greater and lesser extents, depending on the day. His truth brings me much peace. It slashes misconceptions, which may initially be painful, but also bring enormous relief.
My quest is to keep seeking God’s truth and to challenge every part of my life that does not flow with his life giving Word! “The truth shall set you free” (John 8:32).
Kirsten, well said.
I find that when you are or feel that you are surrounded by what is not true, or what is only a half truth. The question “What is True” builds up maybe because you don’t know what to believe, Or you accept the lie, which later may be built upon, and it becomes a greater lie or a denial of the truth.
There seems to be an inner need to seek out the truth. To not listen to what others are saying. To become grounded and to be at peace.
The Bible, although written so long ago, is still the number 1 best seller in the world.
It is a living thing, which still has the ability to speak to all of us today.
I believe that part of the reason for this is it speaks the truth.
Not only that, but it can remind us, who we really are, the value that God puts on us.
It takes away our anxiety, restores us, grounds us and strengthen us.
And as you say, God’s Truth will set you free.
So true. We all have this inner need. You see it everywhere. People react to what they perceive as lies. People hunger and respond to the authentic. I’ve been thinking about the Bible as source of truth – and thinking of the verse- those who meditate on it day and night are like trees planted beside streams – they flourish. Don’t we all need that!