If we are going to be defenders and preservers of truth, we have a two-fold responsibility towards the gospel. First and foremost we have to ensure that the Bible is not altered in anyway to serve man’s agenda. Our second responsibility is to live a truth that testifies to the authenticity of the faith we proclaim!
Live in truth
Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1 Samuel 12:23-25
To be defenders of truth, we must live in truth! When we live a life of truth, it causes others to respect and desire what they see. Truth is a priceless commodity, and those who live in it without religious pomp and circumstance will shine as lights in a dark world.
A person who lives in truth is not afraid of truth even if it hurts them. They can face the truth and accept what God says about them whether it is good, bad, or ugly. They don’t shy away in sharing truth with others, but they are also open and willing to receive it from whomever God chooses to send their way.
Do we make it safe enough for others to tell us the truth? If we don’t like or agree with what they say, do we kindly and gently disagree with them or do we emotionally punish others to ensure they will not be confronting us again?
As defenders of truth, we are to live in truth, speak the truth, think truth, and encourage truth in others!
Defenders of truth are honest
To be defenders of truth, we are like a witness at a witness stand. We tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. We don’t highlight the positive and minimize the negative for our own personal gain. To share partial information intentionally in order to skew someone’s perception of the truth is dishonest! Defenders of truth always want to paint the correct picture of a situation even if it puts them in a negative light.
If someone that we highly love or respect makes a wrong evaluation of an individual, we are willing to disagree with the estimation of that person. Defenders of truth don’t cave in to pressure of agreement in order to be accepted. Sometimes we have to take a risk with the comfort of a relationship and do what is necessary to speak truth into a situation. This may rock the boat of unity momentarily, but it is worth it; because the unity that is not based on truth, is not unity at all! It is just a mob mentality. Truth should always have preeminence in our relationships. If we do it right, God will allow a healthy unity to grow with those who are willing to walk in truth.
Lord, help us to be defenders of truth by living a lifestyle of truthfulness!
For comments, please contact me at karlinefischer@yahoo.com.