Under Tremendous Scrutiny

My professional work involves constant, multiple streams of communication.   I manage certain financial functions for a very large multi-state corporation which requires numerous daily conference calls, face-to-face meetings, written reports, broadcast e-mails and 1-to-1 phone calls.  Given the sensitive nature of the subject matter and the widely varying settings, the language needs to be adjusted among these many settings. 

Recently a part of my company has been under tremendous scrutiny from regulators and this complicated the communication even more.  In addition, some situations would be easier if the history were restated slightly.  And, this is a common view today regarding the truth – it must be adapted to meet the present need (e.g. someone else’s expectation or to shield me from a consequence).

But in my work, the real truth cannot be adjusted; we all want that truth when it comes to things like how much money we have.  In fact, I was reflecting recently on a startling claim Jesus made as recorded in the New Testament: I am the way, and the truth and the life, and no man comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6).  When Jesus walked the countryside in the Middle East so many years ago, He not only claimed there is absolute truth, accurate in all contexts; He not only claimed that He knew that truth; but He also claimed to be that truth.

As I ponder the pressure many feel regarding which adaptation of the truth will meet the present need, I am relieved to know that the real truth, without adaptation, will serve me well eternally.  The notion of absolute truth doesn’t give me discomfort, instead it gives me peace.  And, I love to discuss that peace with others who have tired of the pressure.