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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Ken Jensen

It has been said, “If you lie three times, someone will believe you. If you lie seven times, you will believe it yourself.” From individuals doctoring their dossiers to politicians seeking office, we are subjected to an array of misinformation and conspiracy theories.

We all fudge the truth on occasion. What fisherman has not added an inch or a few ounces to a trophy fish they caught? Who has not told a “white lie” to protect the feelings or calm the fears of another? And how about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny? (Our son caused quite a stir among his kindergarten classmates when he announced Santa was really one’s mom or dad.)

Fudging the truth in some situations may be open to debate. Blatant falsehoods are another matter.

Writing in the Atlantic magazine, Peter Wehner states that knowing the truth can be too costly, too psychologically painful, too threatening to one’s core identity. Hence, individuals choose to remain in a state of ignorance. They do not face the reality they have been lying to themselves and others.

In John 8:31-59, Jesus finds himself embroiled in a situation with several Jews. Once they had believed in him but now had a change of heart. Could it be that they found following Jesus too costly, too psychologically painful, too threatening to their Jewish identity so that they reverted back to beliefs they previously held?

Jesus responded, “If you hold to my teaching, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Psychologist Carl Jung observed that our personality has its “shadow side.” It is that part of our personhood which others see but we do not see ourselves. My personal belief is that if we take the teachings of Jesus seriously, it will unveil our dark “shadow” (our sinfulness) we choose not to see.

It is a process many find too painful. Ask a recovering addict, and they will tell you how difficult it is. It’s easy to relapse into old habits. But successfully released from their “demons,” they are no longer held captive to the past.

The psalmist described the truth that sets us free:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” — Psalm 27:1 NIV).

Ken Jensen is a retired ELCA pastor living in Albert Lea.