As I was thinking about this past week in Uganda, I remember noticing how many churches and schools of different denominations, faiths and religions I saw. On the outside it appears there are many people doing what, in their mind, amounts to helping others while they spread their beliefs and faith so they can help others choose a better life than what they have now. And, in the process embrace their faith.

Americans, especially, are the first to support the concept of freedom or “Freedom of Choice.” Yet, even countries that have corrupt or oppressive leadership provide freedom of choice to the majority of people – as long as it does not interfere with governmental dictates. The reality is that it has been this way in most civilizations. God is the giver of freedom to choose, not governments, even though ours and others’ governments are trying to legislate morality – from a politician’s perspective. Most choices are determined for us, if you believe the Illuminati. But, the small personal choices are left to the Individual.

Choosing our life’s path today is like looking at a Chinese restaurant’s menu. A plethora of choices that make it hard to choose and then cause you to question the choice after it is made. Yet even in ancient times people made choices to follow in the family faith or business or they could strike out on their own. You must choose to make a marriage work or walk away when the stress peaks out. You must choose to spend your pay on things that bring long or short term stability to family. You must choose to lead a quiet or public life with all of the decisions that go into making that choice

Like religious institutions we all have our justifications, rationalizations and reference materials that we go back to, to justify choices. Yet all of those concepts and writings are not truth. We see that from the earliest writings. Some are based on truth and some on fabricated stories promoting their favorite doctrine.  I’ve grown up with many friends believing that there are many ways to God. In part they are right, because everyone’s path to God is very different. If God is real, then HIS truth is truth, regardless of what we or others believe or promote. If there is a God, there can only be one truth – His. While other concepts may contain some truth and good will, there is still untruth or distortion within the concepts if they are not God’s principles. So it is with our own thoughts, doctrines and biases.

If there truly is a God, then His truth must also be absolute truth. And if absolute truth exists, no matter how many times you divide it up or refocus it, it is still truth. Therefore, there can only be God’s truth itself and that truth, if altered in any way is no longer truth. Jesus validated this concept as he “argued” these points with Satan after his 40 days of isolation in the desert.

In the past the Bible stood the test of time. It was the “Law” one that survived through the Hebrew people as God’s historians. Today, many things are recorded and taken as fact. Knowledge abounds, but understanding is scarce.

When Pilate asked Jesus: “What is truth”, he did not realize that Truth was a man, not an idea, concept, way of life or religion. He probably felt it was something that could vary based on the circumstances. Jesus verifies that he is the truth in (John 14:6) and then again with his command that our job is to “believe in the one God sent” (John 6:29).

We must realize that there are many organizations doing good and helping in many ways, especially with religion attached to their name. And, we should applaud their efforts. What we cannot do is place our faith in the process of doing good. We must place our faith in the man who told us to do good so that we could be recognized as His Disciples. Don’t just do something because you feel the organization or religion is doing good. Do what is good, based on the original intention and motivation for the good. Don’t be caught at the pearly gates saying you did something good, only to find that the motivations were for the good alone – NOT for the Man who was, is and always will be good.

Love Dad