I’ve started out the past few years by choosing a “Word For the Year.” It can’t be just any word, like “petunia” or “supervise.” No, I want a character quality, something to strive toward. Sort of a one-word goal or New Year’s Resolution.

In recent years I’ve adopted words like “grace,” “diligence,” “transparency.” Normally I choose them in the last few days of December, just in time for the new year. But, as I told you a few weeks ago, I’m trying not to stress out about lining everything up on the grid of a calendar. So when January 1 came and went and I had no Word for 2017, I didn’t worry much about it.

Then, last week, the word “truth” popped into my head. I was thinking about all the political propaganda out there, and how some of our news outlets operate not to inform, but to persuade.

Have we lost these?

Don’t you feel super frustrated when people are spreading untruths, and you know they’re wrong? Especially those who aren’t sincerely mistaken, but deliberately set out to deceive.

Deceit traps people. I say this because of something Jesus told his disciples:

“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'” (John 8:31-32)

I’m no expert, but it looks to me like, as long as you believe untruth, you aren’t free.

Knowing the truth comes from continuing in Christ’s word and being His disciple…

Which starts with believing Him.

After all, He also said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6)

Back to my 2017 Word For the Year…

As you’ve probably guessed, I chose “Truth” as my word. Studying the truth of God’s word will help me discern falsehood when I hear it. And if you catch me saying something that isn’t true, I hope you’ll call me on it. I may need to fact-check.

Maybe “Freedom” can be my other Word For the Year.

Your turn: Do you welcome truth, even when it’s inconvenient? Ever find yourself content to just hear what you want to hear? I’ve certainly been there! I’d love to have your feedback in the “Leave a Reply” box at the bottom of the post.

Thanks for reading,
Jan