What Happens If You Speak Truth Today

I’ve noticed that there is a real fear among Christians to speak truth to one another for fear of being accused of “judging”. I recently heard a sermon where Josh McDowell points out that the number one verse quoted in the world today is “Judge not lest ye be judged.” It used to be John 3:16. (You can purchase that teaching along with a teaching by his son, Sean McDowell, called Truth or Tragedy. They are sold by World View Weekend ministries…if you click on my little icon on the sidebar called “Christian Worldview Books and DVDs” you will be taken to their website where they have all kinds of great materials to ground you in a Christian world view.)

Truth is relative today…even among Christians. And whoa to the one who dares to point out the truth of God’s Word to an erring brother or sister.

I’ve had various friends/family let me know in many different, interesting and often painful ways, that they do not welcome this kind of input. So I fear…I admit it…every time I am convicted to say something to someone. And I’ll be honest…I disobey God way too many times when I know He wants me to stand up for His Truth in the face of blatant disobedience or false beliefs on the part of other Christians. I’ve stopped caring in many cases. Why should I put my neck on the chopping block for someone who will relish letting the chopper go?! Why not just watch them chop their own heads off with their culture driven beliefs and their sure-to-come future consequences…and go on my own merry way? (These are the things I wrestle with…just laying it out on the table here.)

I need people to speak truth to me when I am indulging in false thinking/believing…or when I am engaged in activities that are taking me away from bringing glory to Christ. I’m thankful for the 1-2 friends I have whom I know will hold me accountable. I’m also grateful for pastors who dare to speak up and “offend” arrogant pew warmers by speaking truth from God’s Word. Everyone else is afraid. Me included.

I recently read this quote by Charles Haddon Spurgeon:

“The more prominent you are in Christ’s service, the more certain are you to be the butt of calumny [slander]. I have long ago said farewell to my character. I lost it in the earlier days of my ministry by being a little more zealous than suited a slumbering age. And I have never been able to regain it except in the sight of Him who judges all the earth, and in the hearts of those who love me for my work’s sake.”

May my children grow up to have that attitude…to be braver than I am…more resilient…more faith filled…and more fearful of God than they are of man.

Related posts:

1. Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey