“Not until halfway through the feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to preach. . . . Jesus answered, ‘My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.’” –John 7:16-19
Dirty. Soiled. Polluted. That’s how I feel this morning, not because of what I’ve done but because of what I’ve allowed the world to do to me—slap me in the face and in the heart with untruth.
Speaking God’s truth comes at a price, because whenever his truth is spoken, the enemy stands ready and willing to defend the ground he’s temporarily claimed and cultivated with his lies, his native language (John 8:44). Satan’s lies always start with a question . . . a thought . . . a probing not unlike the one he leveled at Eve in the Garden of Eden:
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”?’” –Genesis 3:1
Did God really say?
Isn’t this the point at which all detours off the road of truth begin? When we initiate inward dialogue about what God said . . . says? When doubt muddies the waters of truth with opinion rather than fact? When we believe our own billing and trust our own instincts over the knowledge and character of God?
We do it all the time. This happens whenever we tiptoe around God’s truth and lean in to our own understanding—those inklings that scratch the itch of what’s comfortable, what feels good, and what allows us to keep living the sin, doing the sin, all the while calling it something else. Calling it personal preference; calling it a justifiable choice because, after all, no one should have to change who he or she is to suit another human being.
“For a time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. The will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” –2 Timothy 4:4
**NEWS FLASH: We’re not here to suit one another. We’re not here to suit ourselves. We’re here to suit God. To honor him with our lives and with our willingness to bend our sin-sickened hearts to the process of holiness. It’s never been about us—these years we’re allowed on planet earth. It’s been about God and his allowance of those years for each one of us. We’re wasting precious time, friends, arguing about truth. Truth isn’t relative. Truth is truth; there cannot be multiple versions therein. There is only one way, one truth, and one life—Jesus Christ, Son of the living God (John 14:6). When we begin our search for truth with him, our confusions and personal preferences bow to the firm conclusions and preferences of God. When we begin our search for truth anywhere else we bow to our flesh, we serve it, and we risk permanent and eternal separation from God. . .
F.O.R.E.V.E.R.
Is that a risk you’re willing to take? If so, keep living unto yourself and keep slinging your mud at those who bravely speak truth to your soul. It might feel good to get a little dirty from time to time, to enter the pit of confrontation all in the name of personal preference. To rub a little sludge in to your neighbor’s eye and to throw in a few kicks to the gut for good measure. Go ahead, live your independence and call yourself brave. Stand for intolerance and carry the flag of self-preservation. Shout loud. Shout now. Shout for all you’re worth. Give it all you’ve got while you have some got to give because the time is fast approaching when your stage, your platform, and your voice will be silenced by the stage and voice of the King. And when he speaks, there will be no denying the truth. Instead, there will be hell to pay.
F.O.R.E.V.E.R.
Did God really say?
Yes, God really did say.
And so must I . . . say truth, say a few words from time to time. Why? Because I love God, and I want to honor the King with a life of service to his truth and his cross. And secondly, because I love you, and because hell is too high a price to pay for the lies you’re willing to boldly and self-assuredly live on this side of eternity.
There are right words and a right time to speak those words. Today is that time for me. Accordingly, I risk your confusion, your anger, your mud, and your condemnation. Better to risk yours than to know God’s . . .
F.O.R.E.V.E.R.
Peace for the journey,
Ephesians 6
10 Finally, my dear ELAINE AND SISTERS IN THE LORD JESUS, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 LET US put on the whole armour of God, that WE may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore LET US TAKE the whole armour of God, that WE may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with TRUTH, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, LET US TAKE the shield of faith, wherewith WE shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me – for EACH OTHER – that utterance may be given unto US, that WE may open OUR MOUTHS boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein WE may SPEAK BOLDLY AS WE OUGHT TO SPEAK….
Nothing like God’s Word to soothe a wounded heart. Thank you for sharing this text! It strengthens me in the strongest of ways, friend.
Wow! Wow! Wow! & AMEN
Thanks for sharing this with others, Melanie! You bless me.
[…] Part 2 “A Right Word at the Right Time – Muddied and Still Willing” […]
My most FAITHFUL friend Elaine…do you know that I feel like I have just been a super-duper pep rally for God’s children and that you are the head cheerleader???
Such TRUTH that you have spoken today! Something that we as Christians need to remember. Truth is truth and there’s no getting around it or bending it to suit our personal tastes. And if we could only ”get it”….what you said about it’s never been about us!…it’s always been about God! And always will be!
Romans 14:11 ”For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
God is using you mightily Elaine.
Love you,
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn. It’s just something I needed to say. I appreciate the kind words. And just for the record, I don’t need to be the head cheerleader for truth; I just love being on God’s team.
As usual, beautifully expressed TRUTH. It seems so simple to the eyes that see. I keep praying for workers in the harvest. Praying that I will be a faithful one.
Keep the fire burning. I love you!
Kathy
Thank you for stoking the fires of truth, Kathy. It helps me that you are here.
I sometimes wonder where the thinking that walking in truth would be easy, ever came from. Maybe from the very world we seek to NOT be like. The voices out there are loud, and are intended to seem so ‘natural’ and ‘right’… and we buy into it sometimes, or at least play around the edges.
The ONLY place that is natural and right is to walk in His truth, which is so foreign to what the world is hollering. We are a chosen and set apart group, and the minute we forget that, we are already starting to compromise. Popular? Not always. Safe? Always!
TRUTH… what a strong and important post Elaine. Don’t stop sharing it.
Always safe with Jesus, Sonja, just not always easy. How I pray for the courage of Daniel, the boldness of Peter and Paul, the endurance of Stephen, the and the kindness and grace of Jesus. I pray that for you as well. There’s so much we can learn from our spiritual ancestors.
It is as if the “don’t ask, don’t tell” slogan has become applicable to every difficult situation that we face. We’re afraid to take a stand for fear of offending someone or for fear of being attacked. When is the right time to say something? People become so convicted and passionate about their beliefs that they do not hear what is being said–by themselves or by others. As for me, I can only go by what is in the Bible. Yes, it was written thousands of years ago and there may be some “ways” that were influenced by the time BUT this does NOT invalidate the Bible. In my opinion, satan’s win comes when Christians loudly divide in very public forums. If Christians openly debate and deny the validity of the Bible in public forums, what are the unsaved supposed to believe? There are so many difficult questions that do not have answers. In the end, I believe I must be accepting of all God’s children–even when I disagree with their actions; however, acceptance does not equal approval. I can love the sinner without loving the sin. Note: As I re-read what I’ve written, it appears that I am so sure of myself. Yet, that is far from true. It is very difficult to know what to say, when to say it, and how to say it so that beliefs are shared in a caring manner that does not offend others. Yet, saying nothing can be just as bad.
Thanks for weighing in, Terrie. You know I love having you here and getting to hear you face-to-face! Blessings, sister.
wifeforthejourney:
People so often see the bold side of you, because you are a woman of both confidence and conviction. I am also privileged to know the part of you that thinks about others, their feelings, their opinions – I believe you handle the truth without seeking to turn people into speed bumps. Even when it comes to those moments of disagreement with others you have a genuine way about you that allows for friendships to continue even where there are differences.
Thank you for your thoughtful witness in how you speak the truth of the Gospel; you represent the interests of Christ in your conversations and your writing. Love you,
~ Billy
What a great description, Billy – “handling truth w/o seeking to turn people into speedbumps”…..
Woo Hoo, amen.
Our world has become a place where everyone is entitled to their versio of the truth….except those who name the NAME of Christ. Our truth is labeled as intolerance.
Should we be surprised? No. The Bible tells us it will happen.
Should we cower in corner? No. Jesus says take heart. I have overcome. That means for those of us IN CHRIST, we have overcome. Praise Jesus!!
We shouldn’t be surprised, Leah, yet more often than not, I am . . . surprised by the attacks. I’ve been reading in the Word about this very thing; haven’t yet worked out my thoughts on paper but they’re coming!
Thank you for bravely sharing the “right word.” Your conviction has strengthened my own. I’m amazed that your words came to me at the right time too. Only God!! Bless you Elaine. May God continue to use your “pen” to push us all to His glory! Margi
I couldn’t pray for anything more, Margi. I’m glad for your strengthening. Praying God gives you a fresh portion of his boldness and peace this day!
Did God really say? That is the big temptation to sin coming from the devil. It was exactly what he tempted Eve with and how often he can tempt Christians. We need to go to the Word to see for ourselves what God really says.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
I can read your heart in these recent posts. Though you have not specifically shared the details of your present circumstances, I read that your words have either been questioned or your motives twisted, in any case, you have been maligned and thought ill of… and it hurts deep.
Your courageous words ring true, especially in a society that is now moving towards eradicating anything that is of God… The deception of Satan still works effectively today, seducing people with the lie that opinion can be substituted for truth. And the result is hell, but of course people do not know that. They have been deceived into worshiping a lie and everything from that point on goes on a downward spiral.
You speak wise words here, Elaine – better to risk other people’s condemnation than God’s…
Dear friend, know that I am with you in this. This is the right time to speak up, because to remain silent much longer condones… and empowers the lie.
Doing right brings you comfort, cleansing, and healing.
Love
Lidia
oh such truth. i so quickly forget the lies and the slaps are from the enemy. i listen longer than i need to and linger in the puddle of lies as if there is no truth for me. what a lie! thank you for this truth, sweet elaine, balm to the soul.
mariel
First, I thank God for your discernment as well as your courage to speak up & out. Also, I believe He would have us all call a spade a spade – or, in this case, a slap in the face just that. I fear way too many in our midst (believers) tidy up the worst of the world’s worst and pass it off as something other than what it truly is: garbage.
Well, I for one applaud your sass. I know it comes with a price, but I also know you’ve counted that already. You go girl!
Comfort & hugs,
Kathleen
Wonderful word here Elaine….I just hate the way satan muddies things up don’t you? He has made a muddy mess of the world and yet the truth still stands, and it will keep standing until He comes back. Thank you for continuing to be a light on a hill through your life, and your words…Lori
wifeforthejourney:
All of us have these moments of being knocked to the ground by the truth. Your ‘news flash’ seems like such a simple thing – that we’re not here to suit each other, or ourselves, but God. Yet how many days have slipped by me and I’ve been thinking of myself, doing for myself, and seeking after those things that please me AS IF God won’t notice my selfish motives?
Sometimes God’s people need to be reminded of even the “obvious,” especially when we can be so good at justifying our self-serving desires. Glad for you to point us heavenward today!
Love you,
Billy