I have chosen the way of truth... Psalms 119:30a

God is angry.  There's a lot of lying going on.  Governments claim to be defenders of justice.  Relief organizations claim to help the sick and poor.  Politicians claim to do this and be that.  Then we discover it's not always true.  Other agendas take priority.  Self-interest rules.  And the integrity of good men and women, who actually try to make a difference, takes the hit.  But that's not why God's angry.

International groups bring in millions for charity, spending most on themselves and for political gain.  People call for love while spewing hate.  Others demand we honor the earth but reject its Creator.  Many cry out for helping animals while remaining silent at the killing of babies.  And a few create their own religion, claiming they hold the power for their own salvation and that Jesus lied when He said, No one comes to the Father except through me.  But that's not why God's angry.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (Romans 1:18-21)  Some believe this only refers to those who have never heard about God.  But it doesn't say that.  Instead, it specifically describes those who know Him.  They do not glorify God or give Him thanks, but that's due to them being the people they've become.  What God holds against them is this...they work against the truth.  And God is angry!

Truth is everything to the one who follows Christ.  Jesus is the living truth and He stressed the importance of truth over and over.  How often have we read, Verily, verily ... Most assuredly ... I say emphatically ... Truly, truly ... I tell you the truth!  He wants us to know the truth (1Timothy 2:4).  We have been reborn in Him through the word of truth (James 1:18).  And He has given us the Spirit of truth as our counselor and guide.  Speaking the truth is important; yet from where does the greatest attack come?

The Apostle of Paul saw it clearly.  I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.  So be on your guard! Acts 20:29-31

God's household is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim 3:15) and it's greatest threat doesn't come from the outside.  It comes from within, from those who claim to know Christ but refuse to do what He says.  And as John once wrote, The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:4)  Such men and women carelessly handle truth, they add to what God has said, and when all is said and done, they speak on their own to gain honor for themselves.

A man teaches a Christian world view, but says something that seems untrue.  Though asked for an explanation, his organization refuses to reply.  A ministry shares a way to memorize the Bible, but the speaker falsely teaches the facts recorded there.  A pastor claims the Bible shows it is impossible for a Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, or Catholic to be an obedient, devoted follower of Christ.  Another informs his church their youth pastor has been led by God to resign, when he has actually been fired.  An elder tells a congregation how great the church is doing, hiding the fact it faces potential foreclosure.  A director tells donors the ministry is incorporated when it isn't.  And it goes on and on and on.

God is angry.  He is angry with those who lie, who somehow believe the ends justify the means.  He is angry with those whose deceit discourages others from seeking Him.  He is angry with those who turn His church into a sanctuary of distrust.  And...dear reader...He is angry whenever the rest of us fall silent.

Live as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth, and find out what pleases the Lord.  Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:9-11

Sometimes encouragement makes us feel good.  Sometimes it helps us go beyond what we thought possible.  But always, always, encouragement seeks to lead us closer to God, helping us learn His way so that we will walk in His truth.  May we join together, encourage each other, and be able to say as King David, Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. (Psalms 26:2-3)

Take care and be God's,

Chuck

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