In the original Indiana Jones movie, “The Raiders of the Lost Ark”, there is a scene where an old man is interpreting ancient markings on a bronze headpiece. Indy’s enemy, Belloq, had gotten a copy of the headpiece, which directed them where to dig for the Ark, but it only had markings on one side.
Indiana had the actual headpiece, not a copy, so he was able to read the markings on the rear of the headpiece, which gave him the actual place in which to dig. Belloq was confident in the location and ordered his team to dig feverishly to find the Ark. But, it was all for nothing because no matter how much and how deep they dug, they would never find the Ark, for they were digging in the wrong place.
We will never have 100% of the information available to make decisions. At best, we use what we do have, and move forward in a direction that makes sense to us. As more information and experience becomes available, we make mid-course corrections to make a better path or to get back on track toward our goal.
Having complete information is one thing, but having the truth is another. No matter how much information based on a lie you have, it will always take you off track. Only the truth will give you the chance of success.
The truth is self-evident, it is undeniable and it can be known. Maybe not known 100%, but enough can be known to make wise decisions. But, the truth must be sought and judged accordingly. It is an intentional process that never ends until the day you die. In the grand scheme of things, we are all simply “beggars” looking for a crust of bread.
It reminds me of a story. Jesus was talking to some of the religious leaders and said, “. . you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.[1]” His followers were called disciples. A disciple, in simple terms, means a student, a learner or a searcher. They lived their life as perpetual students of Truth.
As students of the Truth, there is no graduation, or certificate of completion. There is only a continual process of practice and growth. It’s like a person who earns a license to drive, or be an attorney or even a doctor. The license gives one the ability to practice driving, to practice law and to practice medicine.
Start a practice of seeking truth. Test it, refine your thinking and have the courage to follow it, for this is the only path to freedom.
Without it, you will live your life digging in the wrong place.
[1] John 8:32