VERITAS OUR FOUNDATION

Truth [Veritas in Latin] is absolutely precious. Truth is inestimably priceless. Truth is the foundation on which the Kingdom of God is built. Truth is the foundation of all, who are godly, and sincere, in following the LORD, as His disciples. Truth is the only currency, in which, every transaction is made, by the children of God. 
– “25 Wherefore putting away lying, SPEAK EVERY MAN TRUTH with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” – Ephesians 4:25
– “9 DO NOT LIE to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him…” – Colossians 3:9
– “16 THESE ARE THE THINGS YOU SHALL DO: SPEAK EACH MAN THE TRUTH to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for TRUTH, JUSTICE, and PEACE;” – Zechariah 8:16

Why should we speak the truth? This is a legitimate question. We are called to speak the truth, always, because, God commands it so. God HATES lies. God DETESTS lies. God ABHORS lies.
– “16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:16
– “22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.” – Proverbs 12:22

Why is God of the Bible so particular about truth? Why does God wants us to always speak the truth? Why does God wants us to stand only for the truth? Why does He not allow any scope, for even the slightest of deviation and variation? The reason is because, *GOD HIMSELF is the TRUTH!*
– “6 Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE…” – John 14:6

When we speak truth, we are worshipping God. When we stand for truth, we are honouring God. When we walk in the paths of truth, we are declaring that we are the children of God, who is the very personification of truth.
– “5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” – 1 John 1:5-6
– “17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.” – Proverbs 12:17

Lies may be soothing and sweet, but it kills the relationship, and destroys everything that is good. Truth may be bitter and painful, but it gives life to all who take shelter under its shade. Truth lays a firm and forever foundation, for a peaceful and prosperous life. 
– “19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.” – Proverbs 12:19

Truth has a FATHER, and so does lies. When we speak the truth, and walk in its ways, and thereby, we are declaring, who our FATHER is. The same is equally true, when we lie; we are DECLARING who our father is. 
– “44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” – John 8:44

TRUTH has no variations or shades to it. It comes in plain and singular form. Lies, on the other hand, comes in many shades, shapes and forms. We are lying, when we use trickery, cheat and manipulate, using clever words, and the way we frame our sentences; when we hide facts, twist facts, and employ half truths, strategic omissions, small lies, and white lies. They all appear innocent. They all appear harmless. They all appear as a necessity. Do not be deceived, we are declaring who our father is.
– “10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God…” – 1 John 3:10a
– “7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” – 1 John 3:7-8
– “28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.” – 1 John 2:28-29

How about us, this morning? What value does truth hold in our lives? Is truth the foundation of our lives? Are we walking in the paths of truth and righteousness? TRUTH is expensive. TRUTH costs a lot, to stand for it. Only those who know the worth of TRUTH, will  want to choose it, over and above everything else. Only those who value TRUTH, will want to walk in its paths. Only those who cherish TRUTH, will want to sacrifice anything and everything, to get it. May we always be found to live and cherish TRUTH. May we always choose to walk in TRUTH. May we desire to be the children of TRUTH. Even so, the LORD help us.