Preventing Truth Decay
Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast
Host: Philip Amerson (he/him)
Episode Theme: Preventing “Truth Decay” in Our Everyday Lives
In this thoughtful and concise episode of To Be and Do, host Philip Amerson reflects on the importance of truthfulness in everyday life, drawing on personal anecdotes, biblical references, and a bit of humor. Responding to listener requests for shorter “thought for the day” segments, Philip offers insights into how we can all work to “prevent truth decay” in a world often clouded by misinformation.
Three Key Takeaways:
- Mindful Communication: The Power of Words
- Philip underscores how easily gossip can take the place of truth in our conversations, even admitting his own missteps in spreading unverified information. He humorously notes the similarity between the words “gospel” and “gossip,” encouraging listeners to pause and check facts before passing information along. This reminder rings especially true in today's fast-paced, rumor-driven culture.
- The Timeless Search for Truth
- Referencing John’s Gospel and the story of Pilate’s question, “What is truth?”, Philip illustrates how the quest for truth is not just an ancient concern, but one that persists in our modern lives. He highlights how moments from history and scripture still challenge us to examine our relationship with honesty and authenticity.
- Truth as a Core Value—Spiritually and Socially
- Drawing from the Ten Commandments, Philip points out that “thou shalt not steal” can apply not only to material possessions but also to stealing truth itself. He urges listeners to guard against “truth decay” just as diligently as they would protect their own property. Living truthfully is presented not just as a personal responsibility, but as a moral and spiritual imperative.
Memorable Quote:
“Learn the lessons I’ve learned over my many years that truth decay is something we need to prevent.”
Final Thought:
With signature warmth and a cup of coffee in hand, Philip wraps up this mini-episode by inviting listeners to reflect on the role of truth in their lives and relationships. His humor, humility, and wisdom set the tone for more short-form reflections to come.
Tune in next week for another shot of inspiration with your coffee!
Philip Amerson [00:00:00]:
Clock strikes 10 coffee time again. While the world is rushing to its judgment day. Judgment day. Hello, everyone. This is Phil Emerson again, and we do the To Be and Do podcast. But some people have asked for shorter clips. Just thoughts for the day. And so this is one for us.
Philip Amerson [00:00:28]:
We're going to begin with this. I used to be a beekeeper, and I had two beehives and painted on them, one read beware and the other read because. And so this is the because moment. And we'll do these, oh, I don't know, once a week or so. Today you see my button? Well, I can show you a little more clearly here. It reads, prevent truth decay. And I've been passing these out to friends. You know, the word gospel and the word gossip are both very close to one another.
Philip Amerson [00:01:07]:
And I confess that sometimes I gossip before I know the gospel. And sometimes I've said things and they weren't true, picked up on some gossip and passed it along. And I need to know that there is the possibility to prevent truth decay in our day. Boy, do we need it. Some people think they can play fast and loose with the truth and tell you one thing, one minute, another thing, another minute, and it changes from time to time. You know, in John's Gospel, again and again, there's the question of truth. And in the eighth chapter, 32nd verse, it says, if you know the truth, the truth will set you free. And that sort of comes up to Pilate's question to Jesus at the end of his interview.
Philip Amerson [00:01:59]:
He's there ready to face crucifixion. And Pilate finally says, after hearing Jesus say he's the king of the Jews, Pilate says, what is truth? And then Pilate goes out and says to the crowd, I don't find any fault in this man. Would you want me to go ahead and set him free? And the response is, no, no, no, not him. Set Barabbas free. And so based on that, Jesus with the title King of the Jews, meaning the king of those that are being oppressed and held back, Jesus goes to crucifixion. And Pilate's question, what is truth? Is not fully answered in that moment, but it continues to be answered in our lives, in our time. In the Old Testament, the commandment, the Ten commandment, thou shalt not steal, is about stealing truth as well as stealing a possession. So be careful.
Philip Amerson [00:03:06]:
Learn the lessons I've learned over my many years that truth decay is something we need to prevent. God bless and we'll see you again in the future. From now till ever after, it's a cup of love and laughter. So come on, old friend. It's coffee time again. Sam.
