"The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it." So said George Orwell who authored the book Nineteen Eighty-Four.  The book is about a dystopian future where an authoritarian government wields total control over society. Key to this control is the government's so-called Ministry of Truth which falsifies news and history to reflect favorably on the government.

Another famous quote about truth was made by Pontius Pilate when Jesus claimed to testify to the truth. Before executing Jesus, Pilate said "What is truth?"

I think we see both attitudes today. First, society is drifting from truth. Whether on college campuses, the news media or social media, finding truth is not the objective. Rather it is "furthering a narrative" or simply silencing the opposition.

Second, like Pilate, people seek to live without regard to the truth. Finding truth is just too much effort. We just want to live each day. We don't want the conflict. We don't want the work. We doubt whether truth exists or whether it can really be known.

I want to encourage you: don't give up on the importance of truth! Keep searching for truth! I'm not talking about sorting through the claims and counter claims of every controversy in the media. I am talking about uncovering the truth. Why is this so important? Because of another famous quote about truth. Jesus said it, "I am the way and the truth and the life." He also said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 14:6; John 8:32 NIV

Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.