How Our Beliefs Compare with the Unchanging Word of God
Have you ever noticed how two people can look at the same event and walk away with totally different opinions about what happened? That’s not just a coincidence—it’s human nature. We all see the world through our own lenses, shaped by our experiences, education, families, and even the communities we live in. But what happens when our personal beliefs clash with reality? That’s where the age-old battle between ideology and truth comes into play.
What Is Ideology?
Let’s break this down. “Ideology” is a fancy word, but you don’t need a PhD to understand it. An ideology is basically a system of ideas and beliefs that helps us make sense of the world. These beliefs can be about politics, religion, economics, or even something as simple as how we think people should behave. Think of ideology as a sort of mental “user manual” you keep in your back pocket, guiding your opinions and decisions.
For example, if you believe that “hard work always leads to success,” that’s part of an ideology. If you think “everyone should be free to choose their own path,” that’s another one. Ideologies can be as broad as “democracy is the best form of government” or as specific as “my sports team is the best.”
What Is Truth?
Truth is a bit trickier, but at its core, it’s about facts—things that are real, whether we believe them or not. The sky is blue on a clear day. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. These are truths because they’re backed up by evidence and can be checked again and again. But the truth isn’t always obvious or easy to find. Sometimes, what we think is “true” at first turns out to be wrong when we get more information.
It’s important to remember, too, that not everything is black and white. Some truths are universal, like gravity or math. Others are more complicated and open to debate, like the best way to run a country or what makes a person happy.
Biblical Truth: A Timeless Standard
Now, let’s take this one step further: What does the Bible say about truth? In a world full of competing ideologies, the Bible stands as a timeless authority, offering a source of truth that does not change with the times or trends. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The psalmist declared, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Psalm 119:160). This means biblical truth is not just a set of facts but a living, enduring reality that God reveals to us.
Unlike ideologies, which are shaped by culture, personal experience, or group identity, biblical truth comes from outside ourselves. It challenges us to look beyond our preferences and prejudices and to measure our beliefs against something greater and more reliable. The apostle Paul warns Timothy that “the time will come when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). This is a warning about the dangers of letting personal ideology outweigh God’s truth.
Where Does the Conflict Begin?
The tension between ideology and truth pops up when our beliefs don’t match up with reality. For example, imagine someone who believes that eating only vegetables will make them live forever. That’s an ideology—a system of belief. But if science shows that people need a balance of nutrients, including some from animal products or supplements, the “truth” challenges that ideology.
This conflict isn’t just about food, of course. It happens all the time in politics, history, science, and everyday life. Sometimes, what we want to believe—the ideology—doesn’t fit with what’s actually happening—the truth.
When it comes to matters of faith, the conflict is even sharper. The world’s ideologies often tell us to “follow your heart” or “do what feels right,” but Scripture cautions, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Our feelings and opinions may lead us astray, but God’s Word stands firm regardless of what society decides is acceptable or popular.
Why Do We Cling to Ideologies?
You might wonder, if the truth is out there, why don’t we all just accept it? The answer is that ideologies are comfortable. They give us a sense of belonging and certainty. They help us feel connected to others who think and feel the same way. In a confusing world, having a “manual” for how things work can feel safe, even if it’s not always correct.
People also tend to seek out information that fits their beliefs and ignore anything that doesn’t. This is called “confirmation bias.” It’s like cheering for your favorite sports team—you’ll remember every time they win, and forget the times they lose. This makes it hard to change our minds, even when the facts are staring us in the face.
In spiritual matters, we may choose ideologies that feel comfortable or seem to offer quick answers. Yet Jesus taught, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). True freedom is found not in clinging to our own ideas but in surrendering to God’s revealed truth.
How Does This Affect Society?
When large groups of people share the same ideology, it can shape entire countries. Think of political parties, religious movements, or even social trends and fads. Sometimes, ideologies bring people together and inspire positive change. Other times, they can lead to arguments, division, or even conflict when they ignore facts or refuse to adapt to new truths.
Take history, for example. For a long time, many people believed the sun revolved around the earth. But as science and technology advanced, we learned the opposite was true. It took a while for society to accept this new truth, because the old ideology was so powerful and deeply rooted.
Similarly, when society drifts from biblical truth, ideologies can become idols—false gods that promise certainty or happiness but ultimately fall short. Romans 1:25 speaks of this tendency: “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator….” The results can be confusion, division, or even the breakdown of moral order.
The Role of Critical Thinking and Spiritual Discernment
So, what can we do to balance ideology and truth? The answer is twofold: critical thinking and spiritual discernment. Critical thinking means asking questions, checking the facts, and being willing to change your mind when new evidence comes up. But for Christians, spiritual discernment is just as vital—prayerfully seeking God’s guidance and allowing Scripture to shape our worldview.
- Ask yourself: Where did I get this belief? Was it something I learned from my family, friends, social media—or is it rooted in the Bible?
- Look for evidence and, in matters of faith, look to Scripture. Does this belief line up with God’s Word?
At the end of the day, living wisely in a world of swirling opinions means keeping our hearts and minds open to growth while anchoring ourselves in what endures. When we pause to honestly evaluate our beliefs—asking not only “what do I think?” but “why do I think it?”—we open the door to deeper understanding and transformation. As we navigate the tension between human ideology and biblical truth, we’re called to humility: to admit when we’re wrong, to learn from others, and above all, to let God’s unchanging Word light our path. In a society that often prizes being right over being true, it’s the quiet courage to seek and embrace truth, even when it challenges our assumptions, that sets us free to live abundantly and authentically.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 