The truth is unpopular. It will challenge us. It will make us uncomfortable.
Jesus was called a blasphemer. He was crucified because of it.
Luther was declared a heretic. He was made an outlaw because of it.
Let that sink in. What does that tell us? Jesus and Luther both stood on the side of truth, but powerful people wanted them silenced.
Listen to the following verse:
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3–4, ESV)
It is hard to stand on the side of truth. It is much more comforting to convince ourselves of untruths.
There is this thing called “Fake News.” This has become popular since the past election cycle. The reason that fake news exists is because we share these stories because we want them to be true. Not because they are true. It is hard to admit what we don’t want to believe.
Are you on the side of truth? Are you willing to have your beliefs challenged? Are you willing to have your worldview challenged?
Luther did not set out to change the world when he nailed the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Church doors. The 95 Theses were a call to debate. But no one wanted to debate.
It can be upsetting to have our beliefs challenged. But if we are on the side of truth, there is nothing to fear. At the end of the day, the truth will win out. And if we are not on the side of truth, why would we not want our beliefs challenged?
May we be a people who are willing to wrestle with the truth. May we willing to let go of long-held values and convictions if they fall on the wrong side of the truth. Let’s be like the Bereans:
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” (Acts 17:11, NLT)
Reflection
- Why is it hard to stand on the side of truth?
- Where do you find yourself closed to the truth? How can you open yourself to truth in that area of your life?
Prayer
Thank you Jesus for being the way and the truth. Thank you for faithful witnesses, like Martin Luther, to the truth. Give me the humility to set aside my pride to seek the truth in all things. Let the truth be the firm foundation of my life. Amen.
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