Are you a truth teller?
We (believers) define truth as the meaning and reality of life defined by God versus truth shaped by postmodern thinking. The believer’s source of truth is presented by God Himself in His Word and through the direction of the “Spirit of Truth”, the Holy Spirit.
Truth defined by God becomes the compass by which believers are able to discern truth from error (1 John 4:6) therefore allowing them to live out their God-ordained purpose (Ep. 2:10).
How well am I doing with being truthful?
Following God’s truth may result in rejection and personal persecution. Inside the safety of the church walls it’s easy to agree with the ethics and morality inherent in God’s truth.
However, once outside the “physical boundaries” of the church, it is the “heart” which must reflect God’s truth. It is the heart that directs the mind, will, and emotions (the soul) to sieve the noise of the world through the filter of God’s truth.
Truth and obedience are closely connected as believers must choose between God’s instructions or man’s acceptance (Matt. 10:28).
Does the world want to know the truth?
We discussed this question earlier as to the world’s readiness for the truth. Often the world’s responses make the truth appear to be a remnant of the 20th century—no longer relevant in today’s fast-paced, high tech world. Unfortunately, truth is often defined by what’s trending on social media.
To further complicate the search for truth, corporate/community leaders and aspiring politicians create “untruthful” responses to difficult social issues that simply satisfy people who don’t really want to know the truth; so the community and nation are given a lie (instead of truth) to make them feel better.
Unfortunately people would rather believe a lie than the truth—think about that for a minute! Are people really being deceived or are they simply choosing to believe a lie? It’s easier (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
Am I ready to be a truth teller?
In Psalm 119:46, the writer speaks of their unfailing dedication to the truths offered by God: “I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings. And will not be ashamed.” Testimonies speak of witnessing. In Scripture, it relates specifically to divine testimonies or truth directly from God.
We must ask ourselves why we sometimes choose to believe a lie rather than the truth. The truth may be related to our life style, our family, or even about us personally. Perhaps we are judgmental, critical, or unforgiving. That’s why it is so important to regularly pray that the Holy Spirit expose those areas that interfere with receiving the truth of God.
The gold standard for truth tellers
To be a truth teller requires boldness to stand for holy “rightness” (Heb. 13:6) and to proclaim what is God’s truth versus what is politically or socially correct (Luke 12:4-5; Ps. 119:46).
When Jesus taught the Beatitudes to His disciples, He established a new standard of truth that was to be actualized in the life of the believer—a standard that would result in holy and sanctified (set apart) living.
Paul declared himself to be a truth teller. While it resulted in his persecution and polarization from the mainstream, he boldly proclaimed: “None of these things [persecution and prison] move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I can finish my race with joy.” (Acts 20:24)
Let us follow the examples given to us by God. Dare to be a truth teller.