Balance sometimes means both, not either or. Polarization and one-dimensionality can be dangerous traps. Some people think they have to prioritize some things over others. While this is true in some areas, in other areas we must find balance and not be pigeon-holed into thinking we only have a choice of prioritizing either or. For Christians, truth must be the highest priority. Any student of logic knows that truth is binary. There are only two choices – truth and lies. Truth is absolute and not relative. There is only THE truth. Jesus IS the truth (Jn 14:6). The Bible as God’s written word is the truth (Prov 22:20-21, Dan 10:21, Jn 17:17). Anything that contradicts what God has said is a lie. There is no such thing as my truth and your truth. In the Bible, the only pronouns attached to truth are God’s (God saying “my” and prophets saying “his”). Truth must be prioritized above all else because without it we only have a lie. Truth defines everything else. Today many words are being redefined to give them false meanings which directly contradict their Biblical and historical meaning. Words like justice, love, peace, compassion, freedom, offense, hate, and even truth itself are being redefined to put a false mask on unbiblical agendas. The only thing truth excludes is a lie. Truth is not exclusive of other virtues. It is the foundation and definer of them. Truth is not a divider. Rejection of truth is (Mt 10:32-42). We need both (truth and____), not either or:
Both truth and goodness (Ex 34:6)
Both truth and sincerity (Josh 24:14)
Both truth and kindness (2Sam 2:6)
Both truth and heart (2Ki 20:3)
Both truth and peace (Est 9:30)
Both truth and mercy (Ps 85:10)
Both truth and meekness (Ps 45:4)
Both truth and praise (Ps 71:22)
Both truth and righteousness (Ps 96:13)
Both truth and judgment (Ps 119:30)
Both truth and law (Ps 119:142)
Both truth and wisdom (Prov 23:23)
Both truth and faithfulness (Is 25:1)
Both truth and equity (Mal 2:6)
Both truth and grace (Jn 1:17)
Both truth and spirit (Jn 4:24)
Both truth and freedom (Jn 8:32)
Both truth and life (Jn 14:6)
Both truth and holiness (Jn 17:17)
Both truth and soberness (Acts 26:25)
Both truth and power (2Cor 6:7)
Both truth and godliness (Titus 1:1)
Both truth and deed (1Jn 3:18)
Both truth and love (2Jn 3)
You can’t have one without the other. Truth gives balance. It does not eliminate it. Truth has many aspects and applications (Eph 3:10), not the least of which is sound doctrine (1Tim 4:16). Striving for Biblical accuracy and sound interpretation is seeking truth (2Pet 1:16-21). Doctrinal error is a sin with the gravest consequences, especially if it is knowing and intentional (Gal 1:6-9, 2Pet 2, Jude). We must be utterly careful about what we say about the scriptures and give the utmost diligence to getting it right (2Tim 2:15). We will all give account to God (Mt 12:36, Jam 3:1). We must be highly aware of how we are influencing others with what we say (1Cor 15:33).
We must strive to be effective in our communication of Biblical truth without sacrificing content for delivery. Again, we need balance. Two of the most important communicators in the Bible were Moses and Paul. By their own admissions, neither were eloquent orators (Ex 4:10, 2Cor 10:10). Yet Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible which give us the foundation of the entire Bible, and Paul wrote 14 of 27 books in the New Testament. Their writings are still being read and studied by millions of people all over the world thousands of years later and are leading people to know God and do His will. We are living in a day where entertainment has taken precedence over sound doctrine as Paul prophesied (2Tim 4:1-4). Some places have concerts instead of worship and appealing presentation instead of preaching of truth. If you get offended by truth, you have a serious spiritual problem that you need to address. Paul asked the Galatian Christians, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth (Gal 4:16)?” We need truth over feeling good, being entertained, unbiblical positivity, and finding agreement with our personal opinion. Yes, it must be in love (Eph 4:15), but what is love? It is defined by truth (1Pet 1:22, 1Jn 3:18, 2Jn 1-3, 3Jn 1). It rejoices in the truth (1Cor 13:6).