Should we discuss hot button issues? If so, how should we handle the reaction that often follows? Yes, discussions of controversial issues can be controversial. Talking about issues that are controversial is risky business. We risk offending another, which can – “end you up” trying to explain why it is that you shared the issue, that pushed people’s buttons.

Talking about topics that are controversial is both about the content of the issues, as well as the process of engaging in critical thinking. Not everyone is open to critical thinking. Often people who react negatively to topics, are not comfortable talking about things they haven’t considered or believed. They are not open to truth that might change their mind on a matter. In affect they are saying, “please don’t ask me to think today.” People don’t want to hear the truth when it doesn’t agree with “their truth.”

Our society is built on lies. Often, it is built on half-truths, which are whole lies. Going against the “accepted truth,” may push hot buttons, with underlying concerns, such as political gain, power, popularity, and money. The old saying is, “follow the money.”

We live in a nation and at a time, where truth has become relative. Our kids are taught that truth is not universal, but subjective. It’s taught that what works for you is true for you, and what works for me is true for me. We’ve been sold a bill of goods, saying there is no longer any absolute truth.

Can you handle the truth? If presented with truth, are you willing to change your mind? If not, you cannot handle the truth. Perhaps the question, can you handle the truth? Depends on what the ‘truth’ truly is. In defining truth, it is helpful to note what truth is not: Truth is not simply that which works. Truth is not always understandable. Truth is not what makes you feel good. Truth is not what the majority believes. Truth is not defined by good intentions. Truth is not simply a belief. Truth is not truth simply because you believed it.

The truth is that the truth is foundational to maintaining a sense of balance in the challenging, chaotic time that we live. Unfortunately, we no longer have this plumb line to help navigate our lives. Too often our culture has had a total disregard for a standard of truth, which has led to discord and disharmony in our society.

So, what is the truth? Are you open to truth? Before you say yes, remember, Noah was a conspiracy theorist, and then it started to rain! Truth isn’t easy, nor is it always popular. Many times, it’s swimming upstream, pushing against the prevalent ideas of our day, against the media, against higher education, against the accepted science, against the recognized and approved medical procedure, against religious thought and against societies norms in general.

Just because powerful people in powerful positions say something, doesn’t make it true! It is important for us to remember what Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The Bible tells us that God is Truth! It is only as He reveals us to truth, that we know what is true. Regardless of our opinion or perspective. Jesus Christ came to be our mediator and reconciler to Himself, The TRUTH. “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Here’s praying you know The Truth. I think you can handle it, Him!