August 2025

The Truth that Transforms

B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO

“The degree to which a person can grow is directly proportional to the amount of truth they can accept about themselves without running away.” — Unknown.

Truth has a way of revealing things we would rather ignore. It strips away the deception in our minds and forces us to confront the truth about ourselves. For most of us, this is uncomfortable, painful, even. But if we desire genuine growth and spiritual maturity, we must face the truth about ourselves head-on.

Jesus said in John 8:31-32 (NLT), “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The passage makes it clear that we must be faithful to know the truth, and then the truth will set us free. Knowing the truth doesn’t just mean agreeing with facts. We must allow those truths to penetrate deep into our hearts, motives, attitudes, and actions. Why is it so hard to accept the truth about ourselves? Because truth confronts our pride and exposes our insecurities. It pulls us from our comfort zone and creates vulnerability. Many people will go to great lengths to avoid the discomfort of self-examination. We distract ourselves with work, entertainment, relationships, and even ministry – anything to avoid the mirror of truth. But truth is not our enemy; it is God’s tool for transformation.

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) reminds us, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” God’s Word doesn’t just teach us. When applied to our daily lives, it can perform spiritual surgery of sorts. Just like physical surgery, it may be uncomfortable in the moment, but it ultimately heals. When we avoid the truth, we also stifle growth. We stay stuck in cycles of fear, sin, insecurity, and brokenness. When we allow God to reveal the truth about us, we will be face to face with the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, this is the beginning of the process that will refine us, ultimately leading to fulfillment and maturity in our faith.

Think about Peter. He was bold and passionate. However, he was also impulsive, prideful, and fearful. Jesus didn’t flatter Peter or downplay his faults. Instead, He confronted him, especially after Peter denied Him three times. That encounter with truth broke Peter’s heart, but it also built his character. By facing who he was, Peter became who he was always meant to be. We must allow the Holy Spirit to do the same in us. He reveals the truth not to shame us, but to shape us. God doesn’t expect perfection. What He desires is humility. A heart willing to say, “Lord, search me. Show me the truth, even if it hurts.“ This is where true transformation begins. Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.“ This prayer requires courage. It is much easier to ignore our faults or rationalize our behavior. Ignoring the truth doesn’t make it go away. Rather, it just delays the growth God desires for us.

The Challenge:

Take time today to ask God to reveal areas of your life that need some spiritual surgery. Remember, growth starts where excuses end and surrender begins. Don’t fear the truth; it leads to freedom. Let God show you who you are, so He can shape you into who you are truly meant to be.

Published: August 1, 2025

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