Is ‘truth’ what you think?

#1 Tip for LIFE: Know Truth

L.I.F.E.: Living Intentionally and Focusing Eternally

Cari recently sent me a screenshot of a social media post from a reputable source featuring a quote from someone carrying the title of pastor. I say “carrying the title” because after comparing the words with Scripture, we began to question the authority behind them.

In Latin, the word pastor means shepherd—someone who feeds, guides, and protects the flock. A Christian pastor is called to model their life after Christ, our Good Shepherd, faithfully teaching and nurturing God’s people with His Word. It’s a title that carries weight, responsibility, and influence.

The reality is that many Christians scroll through social media, see the title pastor, and assume the words they read must be true.

But as people who desire to live intentionally and focus eternally, we can’t afford to be passive consumers of information. We are called to be active students of God’s Word.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Truth comes from Him, and we know Him by knowing His Word.

One of our pillars at LIFEstory is Knowing Truth. L.I.F.E. unfolds when we compare the words of this world with the Word of God.

Let me show you what I mean.

The “pastor” wrote:

“Sin is harm, and harm is sin. If something is not harming anybody, then it is not a sin…”

The pastor went on to say that people who are “simply trying to live their truth” are not sinning.

At first glance, that may sound reasonable. Sin is bad. Harming people is bad. So if no one is visibly being harmed, then it must not be sin.

But this conclusion doesn’t come from Scripture. It comes from a false definition of sin.

God’s Word defines sin very differently. According to Scripture, sin is:

• Anything that violates God’s law. (1 John 3:4)

• Knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it. (James 4:17)

• Anything that does not come from faith. (Romans 14:23)

• All unrighteousness. (1 John 5:17)

• Something that begins in the heart. (Mark 7:21–23)

• The condition that entered the world through Adam, bringing death to all mankind. (Romans 5:12)

Nowhere does Scripture define sin as merely “harm.”

Instead, Scripture teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Sin is ultimately an offense against a holy God, whether or not we recognize immediate harm.

The beautiful news is that God didn’t leave us in our sin.

Because of His great love, Jesus took upon Himself the punishment our sin deserved. Through His death and resurrection, He made a way for us to be forgiven, restored, and given new life.

Through Him—and only through Him—we have LIFE. (John 3:16)

The world encourages us to “live our truth.”

Jesus calls us to know His Truth.

When we know His Truth, we recognize our need for His grace. And when we receive His grace, we find the life, hope, and freedom only He can give.

YOUR TURN: Claiming L.I.F.E. in your story means Knowing Truth

• How often do you accept something at face value instead of comparing it to God’s Word?

• What practical step can you take this week to spend more intentional time in Scripture?

The next time you encounter a message that sounds true, pause before accepting it. Open God’s Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding. If you’re still unsure, seek wise counsel from a mature believer or a pastor who faithfully teaches Scripture. And if we can help you search God’s Word, we’d love to walk alongside you.