There have been times when I have been accused of being too frank and forthright when speaking with people. I suppose that is true, in fact, I’m sure it is true. Maybe it comes from my relative youthfulness or perhaps it’s just my nature. Either way, it is true. And whether it is considered a vice or virtue, I guess depends on each individual person. Personally, I appreciate frankness in conversation. Having been a pastor now for several years and having been to many conventional meetings and been privy to quite a few discussions, I must say that I get frustrated and exasperated with a lot of double talk or cleverly devised speeches which perhaps give a glimmer of understanding to those in the know, and keeps in the dark those who are not in the know.
I think the real problem these days is that in many people’s opinion, truth is highly overrated. Why should we be worried about the truth as long as everyone is comfortable and feeling good? Why risk offending someone or upsetting the apple cart with truth when everything is moving along like a well-oiled machine? Truth can be so inconvenient and problematic. So, why is truth so important?
First, our God is a God of Truth. Deut 32:4 states, “A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Jesus said of Himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth….” Even the Holy Spirit is referred to as “the Spirit of Truth…” in John 14:17. On the other hand, Satan, the enemy of God is said to be devoid of truth and is the father of lies. (John 8:44) So, truth is at the very heart of the character of God, whereas deception and falsehoods characterize our enemy.
But not only is truth at the very heart of the character of God, but truth is also important because truth liberates. It is truth that sets men free in more ways than one. Again, Jesus said in John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Truth has a way of breaking the bonds that enslave us, especially the bonds of sin.
Truth not only liberates, but truth also sanctifies. In fact, before ascending back to His Father, Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Truth not only frees us, it makes us clean and holy. Truth helps us to get rid of the vile junk in our hearts and lives and conforms us more and more into the image of Christ. We desperately need the truth of God’s word and loving brothers and sisters who will love us enough to speak it to us.
And finally, truth unites. Truth is the only enduring, unshakable foundation upon which real and legitimate unity can be established. As Paul told the Ephesians, “There is one body and one Spirit,…one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism;” (Eph 4:4-5). To attempt to establish unity upon any other ground is to build on shifting sands.
So, can I be too frank or to blunt sometimes? I’m sure I can be. However, I would much rather err on the side of being too straightforward than to one day stand before my Lord, and have to answer for being deceptive and misleading because I did not speak more plainly the truth. Should truth be spoken in love? Absolutely, but it still must be spoken. May we endeavor to always be a people who hold to truth with the utmost steadfastness, and may West End Baptist Church always be known as a true church of the living God, “the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Tim.3:15)
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