When Truth and Tradition Collide
The Daily Devotional
Sunday, June 22, 2025
When Truth and Tradition Collide
You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:32)
Introduction
On June 22, 1633, Galileo Galilei stood before the Roman Inquisition and was forced to recant his scientific claim that the Earth revolved around the Sun. His theory, now proven fact, challenged the prevailing Church interpretation of Scripture. This moment in history reminds believers that seeking truth—be it scientific or spiritual—requires humility, courage, and discernment. John 8:32 offers a timeless assurance: truth, even when uncomfortable or delayed, brings freedom.
Reflection
Truth often begins in quiet places and can be uncomfortable when it upsets familiar beliefs. Galileo peered through a telescope and saw a universe that didn’t revolve around us. The Church, fearing heresy, silenced him. Yet centuries later, the truth he uncovered remains undeniable.
Imagine a farmer who, for generations, planted his crops based on the wisdom of the Old Farmer's Almanac. One year, his daughter—fresh from agricultural college—suggested rotating crops and testing the soil. He resisted. “It’s always worked this way.” But after a season of poor yield, he let her try. The next harvest was his best in a decade. His pride had delayed change, but the truth, tested and revealed, brought renewal.
Like that farmer and Galileo, we sometimes confuse tradition with truth. God's Word is unchanging, but our understanding grows as the Spirit leads us into deeper insight. Faith doesn’t fear discovery—it invites it, because all truth is God’s truth.
Application
Where might God be asking you to revisit what you think you know? Perhaps it’s a long-held opinion, a bias, or a habit you’ve justified. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you separate truth from tradition, and be willing to follow Christ even when it challenges your assumptions.
Spend a few minutes today asking: Am I clinging to comfort more than I am seeking truth?
Conclusion
Galileo’s ordeal reminds us that truth is not always welcome, but it is always liberating. Jesus promised that truth leads to freedom—not bondage, not fear. Whether through Scripture, study, or science, may we be people bold enough to follow wherever God’s truth leads.
Prayer
God of all wisdom, You are the author of both Scripture and science, of faith and fact. Give me a spirit that welcomes truth even when it challenges me. Help me to walk humbly, trusting that You are not threatened by my questions, but honored by my search. Let me hold tightly to Christ and loosely to my pride. Shape me by Your Word, and set me free by Your truth. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
