Standing For Truth In An Age Of Lies

STANDING FOR TRUTH IN AN AGE OF LIES - Resisting Cultural Pressure to Deny Christ

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 17:17, Romans 12:2

INTRODUCTION

We are living in an age when truth is no longer loved, valued, or sought after. The world is drowning in misinformation, moral confusion, and spiritual deception. Lies are presented as enlightenment, immorality is celebrated as freedom, and compromise is branded as wisdom. The pressure to conform has never been greater. Society is constantly shaping minds through culture, media, education, and even religion; persuading many to deny Christ not necessarily by words, but by lifestyle and silent approval of falsehood.

Jesus prayed in John 17:17 saying, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Truth is not an opinion; it is a divine reality rooted in the very nature of God. When believers abandon truth, they lose their moral compass and forfeit the power of their witness. Paul warned in Romans 12:2, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” To stand for truth in this generation is to stand against the current of popular culture, to live by conviction rather than convenience, and to declare Christ’s lordship even when it costs reputation, comfort, or acceptance.

1. THE CRISIS OF TRUTH IN OUR GENERATION

a) The Death of Absolute Truth

One of the greatest tragedies of our time is the rejection of absolute truth. People now say, “What’s true for you may not be true for me.” This relativism denies the existence of divine standards and replaces them with shifting personal opinions. But truth is not subjective, it is anchored in God’s character. The psalmist declared, “Thy word, O Lord, is settled in heaven forever” (Psalm 119:89). When truth loses its absoluteness, morality loses its boundaries, and society descends into chaos.

b) The Deception of Cultural Tolerance

Modern culture promotes tolerance as the highest virtue  but not the biblical kind. The world’s tolerance demands that believers approve of sin, silence their convictions, and call evil good. Yet, the Bible says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). Standing for truth in such a culture means refusing to bend the Word of God to fit the world’s comfort.

c) The Rise of False Narratives

From social media to the classroom, falsehoods are constantly packaged attractively. The enemy uses distorted narratives to deceive minds. Just as the serpent subtly questioned God’s Word in Eden (Genesis 3:1), Satan still whispers, “Did God really say?” Today, many Christians fall not because of direct denial of Christ, but through gradual acceptance of half-truths that erode conviction.

d) The Silence of the Church

Another mark of this crisis is the growing silence of the Church. Fear of persecution, desire for popularity, and the lust for worldly acceptance have muted the prophetic voice of many believers. Yet, Christ called us to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). Salt loses its purpose when it refuses to sting; light loses its meaning when it hides in darkness.

Biblical Example: Pontius Pilate.

When Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38), he represented a generation that questions truth but never seeks it. Though he knew Jesus was innocent, he compromised truth for political peace. The same spirit is alive today, the willingness to betray righteousness for the sake of convenience.

2. WHAT IT MEANS TO STAND FOR TRUTH

a) Living by the Word of God

To stand for truth begins with knowing and obeying God’s Word. Truth is not an abstract concept; it is revealed in Scripture. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Standing for truth means aligning your beliefs, speech, and actions with His Word, even when it’s unpopular.

b) Speaking the Truth in Love

Truth without love becomes harsh, and love without truth becomes hypocrisy. Paul instructs us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). It takes spiritual maturity to balance courage and compassion to confront sin without condemning souls. We are called to be both bold and tender-hearted.

c) Maintaining Integrity in Secret Places

Real truthfulness begins where no one is watching. A believer’s private life must reflect the same integrity as their public confession. God values authenticity over appearance. Proverbs reminds us, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them” (Proverbs 11:3). The secret life determines the strength of the public life.

d) Refusing to Compromise

Every believer faces moments of testing: when speaking truth may cost relationships, opportunities, or comfort. Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8). His stand for truth elevated him rather than destroyed him. Compromise may bring temporary peace, but conviction brings eternal reward.

Biblical Example: The Three Hebrew Boys

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood for truth when commanded to bow to an idol (Daniel 3:16-18). They preferred the fiery furnace to the comfort of compromise. Their stand brought God’s presence into the fire. Standing for truth always invites divine companionship.