The Truth 

ਸੱਚ
For some reason my children and I have really got into Asian music, either via the BBC Asian Network or Punjabi Radio. It started as curiosity on their part - 'what is that radio station all about' - but now when they get in my car they instantly reach for the button (it's on my favourites list now') that tunes in to either Asian Network or Punjabi Radio. A few days ago they tuned into Punjabi Radio during a morning excursion (we normally find ourselves travelling in my car in the evening) which meant that rather than the usual Bhangra or traditional Asian music, we were greeted with a Sikh preacher and strangely enough they didn't change channels but listened. The preacher was talking about the importance of truth in our lives in all its forms; being true to ourselves; being true to our beliefs; being truthful to others. He spoke of this truth as being a foundation, a liberating force that helped lead to a godly life. 

Reflecting on that I couldn't help remember what our Lord said about truth to his disciples in John 8, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” and the fact we are told to worship "in Spirit and in truth." On top of this Paul writes many times about truth and wisdom and the Gospel. So here was this Sikh preacher telling me from his ancient writings that which I have also read in the Holy Bible? How could this be so? I was reminded of my old Minister, Revd. David Slater telling me once that God's truth could be found anywhere as this world is God's creation and His spirit is breathed in us to give us life. Therefore it is natural to see glimpses of his wisdom and truth in some places we might not expect. However we are warned about being led astray, to be mindful of “the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15). Jesus says we can identify these prophets by their fruit, but how does one cope in a chance situation such as that which I encountered on the radio. In 1 Corinthians 2:13 Paul teaches us of the guidance the Holy Spirit, the Wonderful Counsellor gives to us, "And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."

God's truth is everywhere and can be discerned, therefore God's freedom is everywhere if we are only to reach out an accept it. No, I'm not going to become a Sikh as their is only one way to God, through Jesus. But I am prepared to listen to what all the religions and secular teachings of the world may have to say, without dismissing them out of prejudice, and where the echo my Lord's teaching and discerned as truth by the Holy Spirit, I will seek to learn from them. 

 BTW, you've probably guessed it by now but that sanskrit symbol at the start of my blog is Punjabi for "Truth."

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