5 Ways to Find Truth

By Christa Woodall, FaithCounts.com Contributor

“What is truth?”

The two-millennia-old question Pontius Pilate asked Jesus Christ still resonates today. How do we tell fact from fiction? Is there absolute truth? How do we find truth for ourselves?

In a world with countless voices claiming to have the right answer to any question, it can be challenging to separate truth from opinion. Here are some ways to move forward with faith in your search for truth.

Know what you know

Learning is a lifelong process. As you seek truth, spend some time reflecting on what you’ve come to know up to this point. As Leo Tolstoy wisely said, “Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.” The washing-away process starts with what truth you have first.

Ask questions

What holes in your faith and understanding need filling? Think of specific questions before you start searching for answers. Sometimes what you ask may be a mere starting point on a journey of understanding, but at least it gets you moving in a direction.

Research and reach out

You aren’t expected to have all the answers on your own. As you look for truth, turn to trusted sources for guidance—whether that means a mentor in your life, an insightful public figure, or a book. There are countless resources available to you that can help you advance in your journey.

Evaluate new information against known truth

As you come upon new information, it helps to contrast it with what you already know to be true, or to view it through the lens of your beliefs. This will help you see the new information more clearly as you refine your understanding of truth.

Look at the results

As the saying goes, “the proof is in the pudding.” Some ideas might sound wise—but, when examined more closely, prove to be hollow. It may take a long view to really see how an idea plays out. As another saying goes, time discovers truth.

As you search for truth, remember to let your faith guide your path. Trust your ability to add to the truth and knowledge you’ve already worked hard to gain. As Buddah wisely said, “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” You will be rewarded for your efforts—and, as Jesus taught, “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).