“They exchange God’s truth for a lie; they worship and serve what God has created instead of the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever! Amen.” – Romans 1:25 

The day a conman gave me a fake 50,000 Shilling note and my change worth Shs45,000 taken was one I will never forget.

Given my level of enlightenment and exposure, I wasn’t expected to be so gullible.

We’ve all probably been victims of fake stories, ‘photoshopped’ images on social media, etc. Our contemporary world just never seems to run out of fakes, fraudsters, shams, impostors, and lies.

Our meditation today charges that even in the spiritual realm, some people have exchanged God’s truth for a lie, thus switching the focus of their worship from the true God to idols..

 Aletheia, the Greek word for ‘truth,’ denotes the idea of certain facts that have been made manifest or revealed.  

Well, some people look at the notion of ‘truth’ through ethical or philosophical lenses; they argue that ‘truth’ is relative or depends on what you believe or what you choose.

For example, while it is supposed to be a universal fact that Gen. Yoweri Museveni is the President of Uganda, there are alternative opinions out there about that fact.

However, the Bible teaches that divine truth is a universal principle; we cannot do anything against the truth! (See 2 Corinthians 13:8).

Take for instance, the truth that the dichotomy of male and female was God’s idea.  

“From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female,” said Jesus in  Mark 10:6.

This is true for human beings, animals, birds, fish, insects and even plants; “they were made male and female!”

Whereas it is a universal and eternal truth, some people have “exchanged it for a lie” and subjected sexuality to mere personal ‘choices.’

How good and firm is your ‘belt’? Will you stand on the side of God’s truth or you’re settling for the enemy’s fakes and lies?

Standing in the dock before Pilate, Jesus testified; “the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37)

Earlier, He asserted in no uncertain terms that He is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6), but He also warned that in the last days “many fake Christs would arise.”

Being consistent with the truth is absolutely important not only for successful human relationships but also for a successful relationship with God.

That is why it is the first item mentioned on the list of items for the “whole armour of God” for spiritual warfare against the world, sin, Satan and deception.

Sometimes, the Hebrew and Greek terms for ‘truth’ are translated as ‘faithfulness’ or ‘fidelity.’

In Ephesians 6:14, ‘truth’ is singled out as the belt piece on the “armour of God.”

I did a little research on the Roman soldier’s belt and found some interesting facts. The belt was the soldier’s personal identity and his most valuable asset in his life.

It was made from the strongest leather and metals so as to hold the soldier’s body firmly and to be strong enough to carry his weapons and other supplies while on the warfront.

It also carried his pips to indicate his rank. 

How good and firm is your ‘belt’? Will you stand on the side of God’s truth or you’re settling for the enemy’s fakes and lies?

God’s Word (Christ) is the truth and we are all called to stand for it, even if it means going to the stake for its sake. Our God is “the God of truth.” (Isaiah 65:16)

Prayer:

Lord, I ask you to guide me in your eternal truth. Teach me Your Word and give me the power to stand for your truth no matter what. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!