PROMOTING TRUTH
There is a joke I heard long ago that I’ve shared in sermons that makes an important point. Once a man had been called to be a witness during a trial. He was told to step forward and place his hand on the Bible. Then he was asked, “Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
He replied, “If I could tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth I’d be God!”
No one gets it right all the time. We have limited knowledge. We make mistakes. Sometimes we misspeak. Scripture says, “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect” (James 3:2). While none of us are perfect, all of us who claim to follow Jesus have a responsibility to speak the truth and promote truthful speaking to the best of our ability.
Recently we have heard the phrase “fake news” used quite a bit. Certainly, news reporters don’t always get things right. Those who are responsible are quick to correct the record and apologize for their mistake. Those that don’t do this deserve criticism. But sometimes criticisms have been given and the label “fake news” has been thrown at those who are telling truths that are unwelcome by the accuser who then doubles down with falsehood.
Not all falsehood are lies. But some are. And they should not be tolerated, regardless of their source. It is important that we who confess Jesus as Lord be truthful and that we insist on the truth, whether it supports our preferences and preconceptions or not. After all, we follow One who is “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Craig
I want to learn more about the truth and know it
I want to learn more about the truth and know it and keep it and obey it