Jesus of Nazareth says he comes to bear witness to the truth (Jn 18:37). Pilate sarcastically responds, “What is truth?” (Jn 18:38).

The idea of truth — a truth that applies to everyone, a truth that points to what is right and wrong and illuminates the path to human happiness — was not something Pilate cared about. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and that the real reason the Jewish authorities were accusing him was because they were envious (Mt 27:18).

But the truth of Jesus’ innocence didn’t matter. Pilate had “his own truth”: He wanted to save his career. The Jewish leaders were threatening him, saying, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend” (Jn 19:12). Pilate feared a riot would break out, and he had to protect his reputation before Caesar’s authority. So, to advance his own interests, he appeased the crowds and sent an innocent man away to be crucified.

Without truth as a compass, we make our choices based on fears, passions, emotions and whims. We do whatever we want without asking the question of truth — without asking whether what we want is good or whether it will lead us to lasting happiness and to becoming the kind of person we want to be.

Pilate’s “What is truth?” philosophy of life may be attractive to some in our modern world, but we must remember that truth is not an abstract idea. Truth is a Person, Jesus Christ: “In Jesus Christ, the whole of God’s truth has been made manifest” (CCC 2466). After all, Jesus is not merely one of the world’s many moral teachers; he is God become man. He doesn’t simply show us a way to God; he is the way. And he doesn’t just reveal truth about God; he is the truth. He came into the world to bear witness to the truth so that we might know how to be happy in this life and live with him forever in heaven: “For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (Jn 18:37).

So how are we as Christians called to respond? Must we give in to these worldly pressures? Consider the crucial advice St. Paul gave to the Christians living in pagan Rome: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2).

Just like these early Christians in Rome, we must resist being “conformed to this world.” Much of what we absorb from our secular culture — about love, success, beauty, happiness, what is right and wrong — not only excludes the light of faith but often undermines what Jesus reveals about these important matters. If we’re not careful, we might find ourselves trusting in the “wisdom” of the world more than the truth Jesus revealed: “It’s not hurting anyone.” “Everyone does it.” “It’s okay if we truly love each other.” “That’s not right for me personally.” “It’s just a movie.”

As disciples, we are called to live in the truth. Instead of giving in to the various philosophies of our day, instead of allowing the world to tell us what to think, instead of “going with the flow” of popular opinion, Jesus invites us to “renew our minds.” And this is not simply an academic matter; it has profound implications for our lives. What we believe about life — who we are, what we are made for, what love is, how to be happy — molds us and shapes us. Living in the truth makes us happy and fulfilled. Indeed, the truth sets us free (Jn 8:32).

Second, a disciple renews his mind by encountering what Jesus teaches through the Catholic Church. As the God who became man, Jesus Christ is the fullness of God’s revelation; he entrusted this revelation to his closest friends, the Apostles, who in turn entrusted it to their successors (the bishops) throughout the ages, so that all nations and all generations could know the truth and path to happiness (Mt 16:18–19; 18:18; 28:18–20).

What a tremendous gift Jesus has left us! And yet, do we take time to learn what Jesus is teaching us through the Catholic Church? A disciple makes formation in the Catholic Faith a priority. There are many good programs, retreats, books and resources about the Catholic Faith. But one basic place to start is the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the official modern- day summary of what the Apostles have passed on to us today. When we read the Catechism, we can be sure we are encountering the truth God has handed on through the Church.

Third, we must be careful about what we put into our minds: what we watch on screens, what we listen to, what we read and what we look at. We are made in such a way that what we put into our minds changes us. It shapes how we look at reality and perceive what is good. It influences our desires and what we want to pursue in life. It’s important for us to ask ourselves: Does the media I take in reflect what is true, good and beautiful? Or do I watch shows that fill my mind with a vision of life, beauty, love and sexuality that is contrary to what Jesus teaches about these matters?

As you make these changes, remember to start small. You likely won’t be successful if you try to commit yourself to reading 500 pages a day and listening to 20 Catholic podcasts. Instead, pick a couple key practices to add to your week and try to make those practices a habit.