Personal truth is the logical consequence of evolutionary theory. This theory claimed that humanity is created due to natural selection and that it is result of survival of the fittest. The Evolutionary theory does not believe that there is an intelligent designer or a Creator who has put everything together. Consequently, this theory left people as orphans to fend for themselves in finding meaning and value in life. Personal truth has become an ineffective band-aid for the chasm created by evolutionary thought.
Confusion of Identity
Personal truth defines “self” based on personal experience rather than objective truth. Hence, people are confused about many things in life including their identity, gender, and sexuality. When humanity is taught that there is no Creator, people are forced to reinvent themselves. In this mindset, reality is in the eyes of the beholder and people’s perception and experience are elevated above and beyond every objective reality. Everything is fluid and is subject to change in this worldview.
You see if we don’t allow an objective truth to define us and the world around us, we will live in confusion about who we are. A reality based on our feelings and experiences is too small and too limited to define us. Our feelings and thoughts are continually changing, and they are not a reliable source to build a life upon. We become ships tossed to and fro confused about life, ourselves, our loved ones, and the world we live in.
Personal Truth stems from an orphan spirit
Since people cannot find value and meaning in life, personal truth has become a way of being validated in this wide world. Much of the social media along with many magazines and books revolve around the topic of self and the opinion of individuals. Selfie pictures are the trends of the day. People want to tell their story, be validated, and to be seen by their virtual friends for how amazing and talented they are! Their lives are only as meaningful as the number of likes they get on social media In reality, telling one’s story to others may feel good temporarily, but it cannot heal or transform a person. Our hearts are hungry and thirsty for the living God. Our personal truth, whether it is validated by others or not, does not fill the emptiness of our hearts.
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Psalm 139:13-14
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You. Psalm 139:17-18
The truth is that we matter and are valuable to God. He is our Creator, and He has a plan for our lives. Long before we came to this world, God had seen our unformed body. He chose the time and the season for us to come into the world. He is the one in charge of the entire earth. The God of the universe has chosen to love us and has redeemed us through the blood of His son from all sin and darkness. He knows our experiences and He knows how to redeem us and to heal us from the past. We don’t have to live like orphans if we believe and receive the work of Jesus on our behalf.
Personal truth rejects legitimate authority
In the absence of objective truth, objective authority is dismantled as well. Authority has to do with establishing order and providing protection. If people do not believe in objective authority, then they can easily disobey those in charge. We continue to see much unrest around the world and around this country because people do not accept an authority that they do not agree with. If the authority does not fit their own personal paradigm, they believe they are excused from following it.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2
Can you imagine Apostle Paul rejecting the Roman authority because they opposed him!? He was imprisoned by the Romans simply for telling the truth and preaching the gospel. We never hear him objecting to the authority of the day or rejecting it because he didn’t like them or he was mistreated in their hands. As a matter of fact, he told the believers to be subject to every authority placed over them by God.
The impact of personal truth is subtle, and the first step is for us to recognize if we have come into agreement with this mindset. I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.