Resilience — Strength - Wednesday
TODAY’S VERSE
Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (ESV)
My friend Connor was on a podcast a few months ago when he briefly shared a story about a famous magician’s take on Christianity. I’m a nerd when it comes to biographies or “the story behind the story,” so I did some research to get a better understanding of Penn Jillette’s worldview. Here’s the quote that caught my attention:
“How much do you have to hate someone to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? I mean, if I believed, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point that I would tackle you. And this is more important than that.”
Those are the words of a self-professing atheist. If this doesn’t convict us as followers of Jesus, I’m not sure what will.
When Peter and John stood “ten toes down” before the council, they didn’t hold any punches (Acts 4:1-12). And because they told “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” notice what happens: Many believed (v.4) and their accusers go from annoyed (v.2) to astonished (v.13). If you’ve read the gospel accounts, this theme might sound familiar.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that when Jesus arrives on the scene, John describes Him as full of grace and truth (John 1:14). One of the clearest examples of this dynamic is the interaction between Jesus and the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11). First, Jesus tells her that He doesn’t condemn her (grace). Then He tells her to “go and sin no more” (truth).
A little later in the same chapter, Satan is described as the “father of lies” (John 8:44). I can’t speak for you, but I believe I’d rather be associated with Team Jesus than Team Satan. Which is why I’m inclined to agree with Penn: The most unloving thing we can do is withhold the truth. Resilient strength tells the full truth.
It takes strength to tell your spouse or significant other their “social drinking” is actually an addiction.
It takes strength to tell a family member it’s time to forgive, instead of harboring bitterness and resentment.
It takes strength to tell your friend they need to address their sexual sin.
It takes strength to tell your Christ-professing supervisor they’re operating in a way that is incompatible and inconsistent with the way of Jesus.
It takes strength to tell your coworker the path they’re headed down leads to death, but you know a path that leads to abundant life.
When we wield the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), let’s make sure our words are like a surgical scalpel intended to heal, not a machete intended to harm. Eternity is at stake.
APPLICATION
We all have at least one conversation we’ve been avoiding. Don’t put it off any longer. Pray for wisdom and discernment on when, where, and how this needs to happen, then schedule it.
PRAYER
God, I seek the approval of others more than I’m willing to admit. By trying to please other people, I’m not living as a servant of Jesus. I realize telling the truth might cost me something, but withholding it might cost someone else so much more. Help me do the next right thing. In Jesus’ name… Amen.