VERACITY ROSS SMITH
TIME SPENT FOR THE LORD IS NOT VALUED FOR VOLUME BUT FOR “VERACITY”
Before we get side-tracked by dictionary definitions for “Veracity” let me clarify the term in the context of this study, by taking up the further qualities and definitions of the word other than the common idea of just “TRUTH”.
Collins Dictionary says veracity means, “The quality of being true”, Macmillan says “Credibility”, and if you like to explore the word further you will find it includes such clear and intentional words like, “accuracy, exactness, precision, authenticity, faithfulness, fidelity”.
Even industry (IBM) makes use of the word “VERACITY” in the analysis of function. There are four things that are considered, and I will use non-technical terms so that we can apply them to our function.
- Volume Scale of the information
- Variety Form of the information
- Velocity Analysis of the information
- VERACITY Reliability of the information
The extension of the subject is like …
- VOLUME: Scale of the information
(size, mass, quantity, extent, amount, magnitude)
Hebrews 10:7 Then I said, Behold, here I am, coming to do Your will, O God–[to fulfill] what is written of Me in THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK.
- VARIETY: Form of the information
(the ability to see from different or diverse perspective)
1 Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon exceptionally much wisdom and understanding, and breadth of mind like the sand of the seashore.
- VELOCITY: Analysis of the information
(the efficiency with which we glean truth and insight?)
2 Thessalonians 3:1 FURTHERMORE, BRETHREN, do pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may speed on (spread rapidly and run its course) and be glorified (extolled) and triumph, even as [it has done] with you,
Isaiah 11:3 And shall make Him of quick understanding … (Isaiah 11v2-5)
- VERACITY: Reliability of the information
(conformity to facts i.e. Truth)
2 Timothy 2:15 … correctly analysing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skilfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
Titus 2:8 And let your instruction be sound and fit and wise and wholesome, vigorous and irrefutable and above censure.
So that you can appreciate the extent of this demand upon the real “Christian”, I will try and expand my thoughts with scriptural support.
If we stop to think about this “progression” we will find that under “VOLUME”, there has never been a time in history where there has been available such a volume and scale of information. This extends right through the church experience, and whole libraries can be accumulated with all the prognostications of men, not just on spiritual principles, but on human philosophies wrought in academia.
But not infrequently in these publications there is a lack of “VERACITY”, the preferences of men tend to dilute the truth. Then we have the internet, and now many people rely on “A verse for the Day” diet that pops up in their inbox every day, a minimalistic habit.
Hebrews 10:7 Then I said, Behold, here I am, coming to do Your will, O God–[to fulfil] what is written of Me in the VOLUME of THE BOOK.
Today, there is much “exposing” of the Word of God, but very little “explaining”. The New Testament description of real preaching is “THE GIFT OF PROPHESY” which does not relate to a FORETELLING ability but a FORTHTELLING ability. It is a characteristic that every Christian should be developing so that we can “Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15) When it is borne of the Spirit it has “VERACITY”.
Ephesians 4:11 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders),
Then, the “VARIETY” or “FORM OF THE INFORMATION” sometimes makes it difficult to reach a conclusion as to the real intent. That is why there is such a need for the revelation of the Holy Spirit to attend our reading and study and understanding, and ultimately our application.
Where scripture has been translated in recent vernacular, the original intention and truth has been obscured by trying to use modern language to relate the meanings and culture and language of antiquity. Reliance and blind acceptance of such “FORMS” can lead to error.
VELOCITY is not a word generally associated with spiritual matters because the church has not yet recognised the desperate times we live in. This is despite the evidence of the frenetic pace demanded in business, transport, communications, technology. Everything now must happen “post haste” and the “tools” are available to make it happen. If you don’t keep up with the “velocity” taking place in your environment then you are left behind, discarded, or dismissed as irrelevant.
Does scripture not also point up a similar situation as far as our spiritual environment is concerned.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 Furthermore, brethren, do pray for us, THAT THE WORD OF THE LORD MAY SPEED ON (SPREAD RAPIDLY AND RUN ITS COURSE) and be glorified (extolled) and triumph, even as [it has done] with you,
2 Peter 3:11-12 Since all these things are thus in the process of being dissolved, what kind of person ought [each of] you to be [in the meanwhile] in consecrated and holy behaviour and devout and godly qualities, While you wait and earnestly long for (expect and HASTEN) the coming of the day of God by reason of which the flaming heavens will be dissolved, and the [material] elements [of the universe] will flare and melt with fire?
Habakkuk 3:11 The sun and moon stood back [as before Joshua] in their habitation at the light of Your arrows as they sped, at the flash of Your glittering spear.
“VERACITY”, “The Reliability of Information”, demands commitment and determination, not just on Sundays or days of other celebrations of spiritual consequence, but as a daily, ongoing, perpetual and totally sincere devotion to what we believe and profess, so that it proceeds, at haste, to what we become.
RELIABILITY is a characteristic that cannot be put off and on like a shirt, it has to become more like our skin, there all the time and in every dimension of our life.
Honesty, or “VERACITY” in this day seems to have become an “optional extra”, it has fallen on hard times, and now features as part of the political scene, in relationships, in business transactions, but more distressingly, in the body of Christ. This is not to be unexpected as scripture warns of this condition, but it also warns that we are to be alert to the dysfunction.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centred, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane. [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good. [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God. FOR [ALTHOUGH] THEY HOLD A FORM OF PIETY (TRUE RELIGION), THEY DENY AND REJECT AND ARE STRANGERS TO THE POWER OF IT [THEIR CONDUCT BELIES THE GENUINENESS OF THEIR PROFESSION]. AVOID [ALL] SUCH PEOPLE [TURN AWAY FROM THEM].
What a description of the day we live in, and although we may resile from most of the “maladies” described, we must be careful that we adopt the instructions of how we are to align ourselves with the absolute integrity of God’s Word.
The fact that we claim to be “Christian” carries with it obligations that require that we not only accept the “TRUTH” but that we live in “TRUTH”.
1 Corinthians 6:20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. SO THEN, HONOUR GOD AND BRING GLORY TO HIM IN YOUR BODY.
The necessity for us today to be a “living testimony” is more than just a profession of belief, it is a life glowing with the demonstration of all those characteristics of “VERACITY” so that we are a reflection of the God who we serve.
Colossians 2:23 Such [practices] (Referring to things all of which perish with being used) have indeed the outward appearance [that popularly passes] for wisdom, in promoting SELF-IMPOSED RIGOR OF DEVOTION AND DELIGHT IN SELF-HUMILIATION AND SEVERITY OF DISCIPLINE OF THE BODY, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh (the lower nature). [Instead, they do not honour God but serve only to indulge the flesh.]
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth and sell it not; not only that, but also get discernment and judgment, instruction and understanding.
“VERACITY” demands that if we are unable to express love in the manner described in 1 Corinthians 13 then there is the suggestion that we may have a false concept of our relationship to God, because of our poor relationship with man.
SELAH
Ross Smith 