To Tell the Truth

“To Tell the Truth” Psalm 25:5, Proverbs 12:22, John 8:31-32, John 14:6 I remember as a young child , TV watching was new and exciting… yes, I am that old…there was a game show called To Tell the Truth. It was a show that focused on this premise: to tell the truth! How this show went for those who may not have watched it or didn’t have TV or like some may have forgotten. There was a host, four celebrity panelists and most important, three average people. One of those regular people had a talent, gift, story, or something interesting they themselves experienced. The other two people were, in fact, imposters… as the show goes... the celebrities didn’t know this person; so through a process of questions to each person, they tried to figure out who really did this feat. And as the questions went on, they had to guess who was telling the truth. And the host would say at the end, “Would the real….(you fill in the blank) please stand up!” And all was right with the world, the game was over! The object of this game was to trick and fool the celebrities of the truth. Hmmm. Are there things in our lives we are trying to hide, not share, and not give to God? Issues that are weighing heavy on our hearts. Sins we can’t admit. Are we honest with God? Are we telling the truth? My inspiration for today was based on telling the truth; it was based on a song called Truth Be Told by Matthew West. I love this song; but as I was thinking about what God thought about all of this, it was made clear to me, the point was of not holding back, to speak the truth, to be honest. The meaning in the words, the message I will share is in the Word of God. [Playing of the song: Truth Be Told by Matthew West (back page or insert)] Hear these words again from John 8:31-32 (NIV). To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to My teachings, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This is a Scripture that we may have heard or even said many times in our lives. I have said it myself and after saying it, wondered, just what did that really mean? Standardly, it is a Scripture quoted, but not necessarily in the correct context. I have since found via some research that this Scripture could have several meanings. The message that seems familiar to me is that if we tell the truth, then our sin, guilt, and shame will be all gone — “hold on folks, not so much” — this is an overused phrase that is said, often, lightly and very flip. The message that is key is in what follows. Let’s read on in John 8, continuing with John 8:33-36, “They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say that we are set free?’ Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins, is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’” That’s right. Jesus Himself is the truth that sets us free. He (God) is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to eternal life with God. This is what will truly set us free from all our sins. Jesus does not give us the freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. When seeking to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be. This is the truth that sets us free. I am also reminded that in Ephesians 6:14, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” This is another reason we need to always have God’s truth with us, to combat the sins of the world. Sin has a way of making us slaves to what is not God’s way. It dictates our actions, makes us slaves to not becoming all that God created us to be. If we are still enslaved by sin (here is a truth, fact), Jesus can break its (sin’s) power over our lives. Isn’t this the truthful grace/forgiveness we seek? What an encouraging fact! If the truth be told … One message of this song (that has been gnawing at me) is of not being open, perhaps not always telling the entire truth. Just who are we keeping the truth from? In Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” God knows our every thought, word, action and deed; He knows our heart. He sees us even when we are unaware of His presence. Do you think He isn’t aware of what you are or are not saying, sharing with others? No one is perfect, without sin, and, yes, we are all broken, in some way or another. We are not always “fine.” Isn’t this why we are here each week, why we turn to God in prayer, to be in fellowship with sinners like us? The rest of this song speaks of not always being accepting of everyone. We are not accepting because of rumors heard, outward appearances, physical and academic status in the world, and the list of judgment goes on. Are we welcoming of everyone who enters in our lives, communities, churches, small groups? We need to remember who we are serving. This appears uncomfortable to do; but with prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit, the awareness of the truth that “we are children of God, we are all souls Christ died for,” makes this easier. Using thoughts of mindfulness will make our acceptance of everyone easier. We should be like a hospital, caring for all who are in need, broken, wounded, seeking healing. Welcoming all who want to know of God’s Word, His love, His truth, His healing words of comfort. My words today are words that have great significance for me. (pause) I am as guilty as anyone. I am very quick to answer most who might ask, “How are you doing?” with “I’m fine.” Sometimes that is very much the truth, no need to go into detail. But many times, I say “I’m fine” as a time-saver, perhaps it’s too painful to answer with honesty. For me, I know I can get too wordy! I know that God isn’t happy that I am not honest, perhaps even short with the ones who ask; and for that I pray for my lack of compassion and patience. I also realize that we are all very quick to assume that if I am here, all is okay. Pay attention to the people around us. What I am saying is when we truly care for others, tend to others’ needs. Sincerity and honesty are very visible and apparent to most. I recently read this and felt it was worth a share: “Truthfulness and honesty are the most core principles of ethical communication. This means 99 percent of the truth in a matter, while leaving out one percent, is not ethical communication – as omitting any detail intentionally changes the way that a listener will perceive an event.” We all can be guilty of not being accepting, caring, and maybe even judgmental. When we are at our weakest, God does His best work. God can only help us when we are truthful and honest. When I speak of the word honest, I realize that there is a strong connection between Truth and Honesty. Just what is the connection? Here is what I discovered: The Truth is the real fact, the real thing, an actuality. Honesty is also based on Truth, but with sincerity, which means Truth that comes from the heart. Honesty is a descriptive word, and Truth is the noun or subject matter. Honesty is based on what our heart says to us. God values anything we do if He knows it is done with love in our hearts. As you see, most of this message is based on the words of this one song. This made me realize how powerful the words of songs can influence our lives. What thrills me most is that it makes me realize that the words of the Bible, God’s truth, God’s words, can be found in everyday Christian music. When we open our hearts and our Bibles and read the truth, so much joy and peace can be found. Share to all and anyone who needs to hear God’s Word. Be the disciples we are all chosen to become. The words of God’s truth are what we all need to focus on; and then, we know the truth will be told. Now, as I mentioned in the beginning about the TV show, are we willing to stand up for the truth? Stand up for God’s Word? ( if able) And now, will all who are willing to follow the truth of God’s Word, Please stand up! Amen. Rosalie