John 17:17 "Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth."
I was reminded today - in several different ways actually - that we should never be ashamed or afraid to speak the truth. Unfortunately, in our society today, most of us regular folks feel inhibited about speaking truth because of perceived or real consequences that may occur. Even if what we have to say will help others, if we can be compromised in any way, fear creeps in and our mouths purse up like we have just sucked on a lemon. There are many people, who I would consider more on the fringes compared to most of us, that never seem to stop yammering on about their truth. So, why have they been given carte blanche to speak when most of us feel we must only speak our truth with trusted loved ones or in the shadows? Have we, as the regular folks, given up our voices?
What does God, Who is the Author of Truth, say on the matter? There are many verses in God's word that speak of truth, but I am going to focus on two. In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life." He also said in John 8; 31-32, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Certainly the part of the second verse I used has been quoted many, many times with a more secular meaning. It is indeed still powerful, but it loses its real power when the focus on the teachings of Jesus are stripped from it.
This morning, my pastor was speaking of John the Baptist. He was the one ordained to prepare the way of the Lord Jesus. He spoke of the coming of the Messiah and was also very visible while telling people to turn from their sin and be Baptized. He knew people were watching, even dangerous people, but he spoke what he knew to be true despite the danger. He did pay with his life, but not before he was able to baptize the very Messiah he spoke of. He did not bow down to the pressure and fear of holding his tongue, he continued to speak truth and proclaim the Savior until his last breath.
What about me? I know that I am called, as we all are, to speak the truth of the teachings of my Savior, for He is with me. However, if I am nervous about speaking this truth because of others' reactions, am I really free?
The Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kZ1dizcm30
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