Category Archives: Church Bulletin

The Example of Christ

Church Bulletin, Jesus, Politics, , ,
Christians and Politics The example of Jesus

We have been exploring the link between Christians and Politics. So far, we have quoted from various secular sources, including media sources, political pundits, and social researchers. We have also looked at the disastrous history of blended church-state models. All of this is important and helps frame our discussion about the present turmoil we face. Now, we turn to the King of Kings for His view of Christians and government. He is our Lord and Teacher (John 13:14). Therefore, we listen, learn, and apply his teachings.

 Given the politicized condition of some churches and church members, a non-Christian might be surprised at how few times Jesus or his apostles spoke of government. When they did, it was often in an indirect way. For example, Jesus told his followers to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13, 14). Surely, our salting would include interactions with the state and, when possible, politicians

There are a few direct statements made about government.

“render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Luke 20:25)

“Render” suggests the idea of an obligation that is repaid. Followers of Christ have obligations to both the state (Caeser) and to God. There is a distinction between the two. We know from the apostle’s clash with the Sanhedrin that one obligation exceeds the other; namely, our commitment to God is superior. Jesus said, “Seek first” the kingdom (Matthew 6:33), while his apostles, Peter and John, said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

If Jesus were physically here today, he would not engage in the trash talk that marks the public voice of many religious leaders.

On point with the present deterioration of public speech and discourse is Paul’s statement, taken from Exodus 22:28, that we “shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people” (Acts 23:5). The apostle himself had just rebuked the High Priest. When he realized what he had done, he quickly corrected himself.[1]That is Christian guidance not often heard today. It is also complementary to Paul’s exhortation to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1, 2). Perhaps we have forgotten?

When arrested, our Lord did not revile his captors, nor Herod, nor Pilate. Isaiah foretold his peaceful example that he would not open his mouth when beaten (Isaiah 53:7).

If Jesus were physically here today, he would not engage in the trash talk that marks the public voice of many religious leaders.

The Bible teaches me to imitate Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1, 2; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Peter 2:21, etc.). So how, then, should we conduct ourselves today?

[1] Jesus once called Herod a “fox,” a derogatory term for someone who is sneaky or sly. Jesus spoke from his divinity in truth, not in rage, anger, or vengeance. See Luke 13:32

A Brief Survey of Blended Church and State

Church Bulletin, Culture, Government, Politics, , , ,
Christians and Politics

A brief history of blended church and state shows that such mixing is always bad for both. Before we go further let me be clear that good government must be based upon sound biblical principles. But the church should never exist in service to the state. Likewise, It is fruitless and harmful for the government to compel Christian conduct. Nevertheless, our interest here is to survey the harm done to the church when it blends with secular government.

Blended Church and State in the Bible and in History

Our first example occurred over 3000 years ago. Judges ruled the Israelites of the Old Testament when needed. After many years, the people demanded a king like the other nations around them. Through the prophet Samuel, God warned the people that a king would prove bad for the nation. God warned them that a king would militarize and enslave segments of the Kingdom. God told Samuel, “they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Samuel 8:7). The people sought national glory and honor over their relationship with the Creator. A careful review of biblical history will show that the kings of Israel consistently led the people astray.

1000 years later, during the time of Christ, the Roman Empire ruled the world. To increase their glory and to enhance their authority, these emperors allowed and sometimes commanded people to worship them as gods. The cult of worship would find its fullness in Constantine who blended church and state into the so-called Holy Roman Empire.

About 300 years after the establishment of the Lord’s church, the nascent Roman Catholic church began. Historian Diane Bowder (The Age of Constantine and Julian, 1987) observes that Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313, which protected all faiths from persecution and returned confiscated church property. No other Roman ruler had gone so far. He soon moved to enforce Christian doctrine in the name of unity and social stability. He served as the judge over religious disputes.

Blended Church and State Today

Today, papal authority reigns over millions of Roman Catholic adherents. The Pope is a Head of State and is headquartered in Vatican City, a sovereign state. Among the embarrassments of this blended church-state creation was the papal silence in the face of Nazi atrocities in WWII.

A first cousin to the Roman Catholics, the Russian Orthodox Church is a highly influential force, albeit a silent one, on Russian President Vladimir Putin. The nicknamed, “Russian Orthodox Army” was one of the first units deployed in the invasion of Ukraine.

The non-Christian world has problems too. Islam has a lengthy history of mixing faith and government. In the present day, Iran is a spectacular example of such a combination. Trying to force submission to Islam is a hallmark of Iran and its many puppet regimes. Strong influence from Hindu worshippers in India directly affects governmental operations, including turning a blind eye to the oppression of religious minorities, although some improvements have been noted in recent years.

The point of all this is to see the intolerable compromises required when church and state mix. Let the church challenge and influence the Empire from the outside where we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12), not from the inside. Why? Because our kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). As a good soldier of Christ, remember,” No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:4). Be the salt, not the fries!

The Church and Government

Church Bulletin, Culture, Government, Politics,
Christians and Politics The Church and Government

The Church and Government are both important, yet different, God created three separate institutions. First, he gave us the home (Genesis 2: 18-25). Next, he instituted government, for he knew that man could not govern himself (Jeremiah 10:23). Finally, God created the church (Acts 2:41, 47). Just as the government cannot take the place of the home, the church cannot take the place of the government. Each of these organizations is unique. While there may be some overlap and similarities among the three, they are each different and vital in their own ways.

The founding fathers of the United States ensured that the government would not infringe upon matters of faith. People could worship God in a way of their choosing. But there would be no state or national church, as had been the case in England. They understood that the fledgling nation could not thrive, probably not survive, without strong homes and strong churches. Just as they would not tell someone who to marry, they would not tell someone how to worship. The Church and Government would complement one another.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison notes that 9 of the 13 original colonies had some form of religious test for elected officials. (Center for the Study of the American Constitution; Department of History, ND) It is undeniable that the founders of our great nation intended faith to buttress, complement, and inform the functioning of the newly formed government. Sadly, that influence waned and is  all but invisible in public life.

Richard John Neuhaus penned The Naked Public Square in 1988. In it, he laments the decreasing role of faith in public policy. He sees the death of democracy as the certain end of a faithless system. (Neuhaus, 1988). The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, published in 2023 documents the growing unrest in some religious, Christ-believing communities. Some seek to retake American democracy by force. This “Christian Nationalism” is the subject of a future article and ought to be rejected.

As noted previously in THE Kingdom and I Pledge Allegiance, there is only one Kingdom of import. Only the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. It is this divine kingdom that we are to seek before all others (Matthew 6:33). Paul says, “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). Today, we are strangers waiting to go home (Hebrews 11:13). We must not be overly concerned with the petty political polemics of the day because this world is not our home.

To be sure, we “salt” this world with the glory of Christ and hold up a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:13-16). We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Christians can and should participate in the political process. They should vote and should exercise every venue to influence our elected officials.

But Jesus draws a line. He says, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:15-22; c.f. Romans 13:7). We clearly have obligations to the Church and Government and to live our daily lives for Christ. I think we know which is most important. To which, the Church or Government, God or politics, will we devote our time and effort this week?

I Pledge Allegiance to What?

Church, Church Bulletin, Culture, Daily living, Government, Politics,
Christians and Politics

I remember saying the Pledge of Allegiance from my earliest days. We said it at sporting events, in Aunt Ogla’s Kindergarten class, and in just about every public assembly. In Boy Scouts, we placed great emphasis on the care, honor, and presentation of the American flag because it was the best-known symbol of our country.

But we never said the pledge or presented the colors in our worship assembly.

There is a Difference

As a child, I didn’t understand. If you could stop all activity at a football game (and that’s some undertaking in Alabama), stand, place your hand over your heart, sing the national anthem, and say the pledge, why not in worship? Adults understood the division between the nation and the church, between the secular and the holy, and between the common and the divine.

Some have forgotten that distinction.

The church of my Lord does not belong to the United States, nor is it subservient to it in any way. When Jesus was asked about paying taxes his response was simple: “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). We have obligations both to the government and to God. Paul, by inspiration, commanded obedience to the government (Romans 13:1 – 7). In his life, Paul acknowledged the government’s authority while benefiting from its laws (Acts 25:11).

The Roman Empire was the ultimate secular authority in Jesus’ and Paul’s day. They were pagans and hostile to both Christians and Jews. But, Jesus commanded obedience to Rome. Jesus doesn’t restrict obedience to democracies. He commands that Christians obey all governments, including communist, fascist, monarchal, socialist, theocratic (think Islamic in Iran, Hindu in India), and even authoritarian governments like North Korea.

Except…

First Things First

A Christian’s first allegiance is to the Kingdom of Christ (c.f. Colossians 1:13, 14). Peter and John rejected the authority of the Sanhedrin. When ordered to stop preaching about Jesus’ death, and especially His resurrection, the apostles’ response was sharp: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). In their previous meeting, they told the rulers Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19, 20). In other words, No!  We won’t stop preaching Jesus! Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God.”

Christians have no divided allegiance. Our allegiance is to an “otherworldly” kingdom, one not of this earth. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). We now live in a world governed by evil (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4). We are to be the light of this world and the salt of the earth so that we might improve and remove the darkness while showing good works (Matthew 5:13 – 16).

Christian, you belong to Christ. You are his servant. You live in a dark world which you brighten by the love of Christ. Pledge allegiance to the Lord!

(I am not suggesting we stop saying the pledge to the flag. Just keep first things first.)

3 Things That Will Last Forever

Church Bulletin, Encouragement, Family Issues, , ,

The Appian Way is an ancient road built by the Roman Empire 312 years before Christ. Today, portions of it remain, and you can walk along the ancient cobbled stones. I wonder if the Roman slave realized how long his work would last. The Mona Lisa may be the most recognizable painting ever created. Da Vinci may have spent 12 years working on it. Today, it’s over 500 years old. Did he know it would be his crowning achievement? Some things just last. But here are 3 things that will last forever.

Some things just last.

Family Lasts

The first family was created because God saw that “it was not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). He fashioned a woman from the man, and she became his helper. The two produced three children and thus formed the first family. Despite the Cain/Abel tragedy, I suspect Adam and Eve still loved their children until their final days.

Paul reminds Timothy of the legacy of faith that flowed from his grandmother and his mother, and Paul remembers his own ancestor’s faith (2 Timothy 1:3- 6). Family always passes down more than just DNA.

Friends Last

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity,” writes Solomon in Proverbs 17:17. Social media causes us to confuse friends and contacts. A thousand Facebook friends is largely meaningless. But one close friend in real life is priceless.

A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

(Proverbs 18:24)

Cultivate a few close friends. Invest your time into their lives and allow them to do the same with you. Serve them sincerely, and they will surely return the blessing. At the day of death, we never regret a close friend.

Faith Lasts

More than anything else, a strong faith lasts. A strong faith in Christ will follow you through the darkest days. It will accompany you to the grave and then beyond. The Psalmist wrote these familiar words: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). In David’s longest night of suffering, his faith bolstered his confidence. He faced death, as we all will, with a solid faith in his redeemer.

When the last pitch is thrown, when the final tackle is made, and the closing song is silenced, we are left with faith that endures beyond the grave. Ask God to build your faith. Open your eyes for the evidence of his work in your life. You will be buoyed above the greatest waves of this life.

Family, friends, and faith. One with all three is blessed indeed!

Silence

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silence

Silence. We fear silence. It’s to be avoided at all costs. We keep the television on at home and the radio playing in the car. If a newscaster is quiet for too long, he gets embarrassed. When the preacher pauses, we get nervous. When was the last time you and your spouse rode along in silence?

There’s actually a lot of sound, just not much worth hearing. Sometimes, silence is desired. It’s healing, even therapeutic. Leave the earbuds in the car and walk through nature. The sound of birds, crickets, and a chorus of basso profundo frogs is the perfect inoculation against the ruckus of the world.

People talking without speaking

People hear without listening

Simon & Garfunkel, The Sound of Silence (1964)

The folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel bemoaned the silence despite a chorus of noise all around. Nothing was said worth listening to. There was only The Sound of Silence.

They were correct 60 years ago, and they are still right today.

Silence. When Words Hurt

Sometimes, it’s better to be silent. When tragedy struck Job, his three friends came and sat in silence with him. They said nothing for a week (Job 2:11 – 13). There are times when words are ineffective and may bring more pain. In tragedy, there are no magical missives. A gentle hand on the shoulder may be best.

We may become too aggressive in our desire to show concern and offer aid. We don’t mean to cause harm, but sometimes, week intentioned words are misheard or misinterpreted. As students of human behavior, we can sense when we are getting too close or too personal. “I love you” may be the only words they need.

Silence. When Words Help

There are times when carefully directed discourse can bring encouragement and healing to the hurting soul.

Paul said it this way: Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:6). He seems to be talking about our interactions with unbelievers. But one key phrase is so useful for us today. He says, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” Have you eaten food without enough salt? Unsalted speech is also tasteless.

The king questioned why Nehemiah was sad. Nehemiah explained that his home, Jerusalem, lay in ruins. The king asked what Nehemiah was asking for. Then, before saying another word, Nehemiah “prayed to the God of Heaven” (Nehemiah 2:4). The King gave Nehemiah all that he asked for and more. Prayers need not be elaborate or long. Pray before speaking.

Our parents and grandparents often advised us to count to 10 before answering or speaking. Words can help but only when well considered. Never respond in anger for you will surely regret it later.

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” wrote James (James 1:19).

Slow down. Think. Make sure you say something worth hearing.

The Church Consumer

Church Bulletin, Worship,

I recently had a spat with my pharmacy. When they could not fill my prescription, I went somewhere else. When I upgrade my cell phone, I go to the store dressed for battle. I want to come away with the best possible deal. The church consumer is also looking for a deal. He needs to make sure he’s looking for the right thing.

The church consumer will, likewise, shop for what they perceive to be the best possible deal in churches. They may look for entertainment, friendship, or self-validation. People don’t want to change. They reject repentance. They are not looking for sanctification. Their desire for holiness is missing. Such shallow church consumerism is a colossal waste of time.

The church consumer should immediately jettison his foolish ideas about shopping for a church as he might shop for a new car. There is only one quality that a person should look for in a church. Seek and search for a church committed to the absolute truth of God’s word.

The Truth

Solomon said, “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Proverbs 22:23). In Matthew 13, Jesus spoke two brief parables about the value of finding the most important things. He told of a man who came across treasure and immediately went and bought the field. A second man found a pearl of exquisite beauty and great price. He sold everything he had to buy it (Matthew 13:44, 45).

The only things a church consumer should look for are the things that last an eternity. Entertainment brings joy for a few minutes. Self-validation brings about no change in the life of a sinner. These pursuits are not worthy of your time. Search for that which has true value.

Church leaders and preachers are responsible for doing their best to communicate God’s word to the listeners. The preacher should sharpen his skills of delivery and interpretation to deliver the pure truth in a way that his hearers can understand. Remember, the sermon is not a TED talk or standup comedy. The preacher does not take the stage to entertain but to encourage, evangelize, and inform.

Come for Worship, Not for Entertainment

The last time I attended a musical performance, the people on the stage did not invite me to sing with them. I am the object of the choreography and singing. I am entertained. Not so in the worship of the church. We do not come to worship for entertainment. We come to praise the God of creation and express our thanksgiving to him for all his blessings.

Let our worship be God-focused, not the other way around.

Let’s purge the idea of being a church consumer from our minds. Seek truth.

The Most Dangerous Words of a Christian

Bible General, Church Bulletin, Daily living

I Think

Mankind is expected to think. God gave us the ability to observe, examine, analyze, and reason. Our mind is an amazing tool that can be trained and can even examine and heal itself when injured.  The human mind has allowed us to make stunning discoveries both on and off the planet. We continue to plumb the depths of the sea and soar into the Universe. Sometimes our minds get us into trouble but mostly our ability to think and reason has served humanity well. But when it comes to divine truth, the most dangerous words of a Christian are “I think.”

Our thinking and reasoning have produced innumerable denominations and have deepened the division with Christendom. In the meantime, we are losing the battle for men’s souls. Something is clearly wrong. It’s past time to stop spouting what we think and instead cling to what we can know from the Lord.

I Can Know Truth

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:32

You would agree, I think, that truth is unchanging.  Truth does not shift because of changing beliefs or differing perspectives. 2 apples plus 2 more apples equal 4 apples in Daphne, Alabama, and in the Cocos Islands (opposite side of the earth). It’s still four apples if I am a Democrat or a Republican. Truth doesn’t change. The writer of Hebrews says Jesus is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8) which is not surprising given that God is truth (John 3:33) and truth doesn’t change.

While it is important to know truth in everyday life, the balance in your bank accounts, the medicines the doctor prescribes, etc. It is critical to know the truth about God and his plan to save mankind as he revealed it.

I Must Respect the Truth

Here’s the rub. When speaking of Biblical matters, we often say what we think instead of what God says.

“I know there is nothing about mechanical instruments of music in the New Testament church, but I think it’s ok because it uplifts me.” In this case, we have elevated our thinking above that of what the Bible says. The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel was called to rebuke the prophets of Israel for speaking what they thought instead of what God had said.

They have seen false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘Declares the LORD,’ when the LORD has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word.”

Ezekiel 13:2

These prophets spoke falsely but still expected the Lord to accept their corruption of truth. A few verses later he explains that they have been speaking from their own heart and not from God’s message (Ezekiel 13:17). In verse 8, the Lord declared “I am against you!”

The Most Dangerous Words of a Christian: Toward A Solution

Those who believe that Jesus is the son of God all affirm their reverence for and adherence to the Bible. It is God’s word delivered through the power of the Holy Spirit and confirmed with supernatural acts (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21). That being the case, we can all agree on the following:

  1. I will stop telling people what I think and instead declare what the Bible says.
  2. I will derive all teaching and doctrine from the Bible. I will not add to nor take from it.
  3. I will reject any teaching or doctrine not found in the Bible.
  4. I commit to a thorough study of the Scriptures to understand and to apply it.
  5. When we speak, we will speak only as the oracles of God, never of mankind.

It’s time to hear again the voice of God as revealed in his “once for all” delivered word (Jude 3). No smooth-talking, well-dressed, well-coiffed, preacher will be tolerated who does not honor the truthfulness and completeness of Scripture.

Forgiveness

Church Bulletin, Culture, Daily living, Jesus

Forgiveness is a hard trait for anyone to master. It is most difficult when we try to forgive ourselves. Those who live in Christ must learn to forgive. Hear the words of Jesus:

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14, 15)

Jesus says that if I do not forgive others who have offended me, I will not be forgiven of my trespasses. A parallel verse is in James 2:13, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Personally, I crave both forgiveness and mercy. I need copious amounts of both; I suspect you do too.

If anyone in the Bible had a reason to hold a grudge, it would have been Jesus. The purest one ever born had come to earth for one reason: “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). But despite his sole purpose of helping humanity, Jesus became the target of their wrath. He was arrested, maltreated, and crucified on an old rugged cross. Yet, as he hung on that cross, he uttered this immortal statement, “father forgive them (Luke 23:34).” As the ultimate example of a holy life, Jesus teaches us to forgive.

Christians don’t always live up to the master’s example. Christians can be just as petty and unforgiving as non-Christians. But our failure to exemplify Christ does not lessen the imperative of forgiveness.

Those outside of Christ are often amazed when they see acts of true forgiveness. For example, Georgia Congressman John Lewis’ public forgiveness of Alabama Gov. George Wallace. Or the beautiful image of Botham Jean’s brother embracing and forgiving convicted murderer Amber Guyger as she was being sentenced for the murder of his brother. True forgiveness is so rare in our world that it always turns heads when it happens.

Forgiveness and Hypocrisy

People occasionally blur the line between forgiveness and hypocrisy. They see or hear of a Christian doing something sinful. They immediately cry, “hypocrisy!” But what they overlook is that the Christian is struggling to overcome sin. Along the way, he stumbles. But God has forgiven him. 1 John 1:5-10 is enlightening. We know first the necessity of “walking in the light.” Second, even while walking in the light, the Christian needs forgiveness. And three, forgiveness is forthcoming from a loving God.

There is no hypocrisy. There is only a real struggle to overcome sin in daily life.

This is not to say that hypocrisy never occurs; it does. And sometimes, Christians deliberately act contrary to God’s holiness. In that case, they are hypocrites. But to assert that every stumble or error is an act of hypocrisy is just wrong. Certainly, you and I would not want to be judged that way.

Hiding behind Hypocrisy

Occasionally a person will use the perceived hypocrisy of someone else to justify their own misdeeds. Maybe they’re not really trying to justify themselves as much is there trying to raise their stature among other people. They point out the weaknesses in failings and other people and then conclude that their sin is no worse than the others. It is true that any sin separates a person from God. But it is also true that another person’s sin has no bearing on your standing before God. Another person’s sin does not justify you. We will be judged individually (Romans 14:12).

Hiding behind hypocrisy evidences an unwillingness to confront one’s own sins. It also suggests a desperation to be seen as righteous but without a penitent heart. If you are outside God’s kingdom and judging it by its citizens, you are missing the most important part. We are not and will not claim perfection. We rely on God’s promise of forgiveness as we strive to know Him and pattern our lives after Him each day.

In the beginning, we said forgiveness was a hard trait to master. It’s also a hard act to understand. No matter the depth or depravity of your sin, you can be cleansed and stand righteous before the Lord. After a laundry list of common sins, Paul said: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Come now for the healing and forgiveness found only in Jesus!

Enemies of truth

4 Enemies of Truth

Bible General, Church, Church Bulletin, Culture
Enemies of truth

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”

John 8:32

“relating to or existing in an environment in which facts are viewed as irrelevant, or less important than personal beliefs and opinions, and emotional appeals are used to influence public opinion: “

definition of “post-truth” from www.dictionary.com

Truth is not what it once was. We do not think of truth as we once did. Truth does not change. My understanding may change, but the underlying truth is the same. A lack of truth may be inconvenient as when an airline promises a seat after knowingly overbooking. But becomes catastrophic when eternal life is at stake. We offer 4 enemies of truth for your consideration.

Sadly, truth struggles today. Enemies of truth abound and endanger our future. We know who those enemies are, and we can fight back.

Enemies of Truth: Apathy

Years ago, a friend remarked that although he had studied a Biblical topic and knew what the Bible said, he just didn’t care. He didn’t think it made any difference. That approach to truth is apathy. It’s common today. Truth may exist, but so what?

Jesus said that we can know truth (John 8:32). But he also described the extent to which one may go to pursue truth. From the God of Truth (John 17:17), the Kingdom of Heaven is worth extraordinary effort to find and acquire.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:44,45).

What would you do; how hard would you work to save a loved one from death? There is no room for apathy in the pursuit of truth.

Enemies of Truth: Compromise

Compromise is a necessary part of life. We bargain and eventually compromise when buying a car. In business, a contract is the result of negotiation and compromise. A man who does not compromise will have little success in life.

But compromising truth is different.

To compromise truth is to attempt to change the unchangeable. King Saul thought to compromise truth when he chose not to complete God’s mission against the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15).

For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king” (1 Samuel 15:23).

Truth cannot be changed. To attempt to do so is a fool’s errand.

Enemies of Truth: Fear

It takes real courage to change, even in the face of truth. Because such change will result in new loyalties (to Jesus) and new alliances (the church), we can expect vociferous opposition to those that currently see us as mirrors of themselves. Still, truth must be chosen over comfort.

King Herod knew that John the Baptist was a prophet, and he knew the people so-honored him. He wanted to hear the words of this great man. But because of his public promise to Salome, he feared the scorn of his associates if he did not give her as he had promised. Her request was the head of John. Herod ordered him to be beheaded (Matthew 20:14 – 2)

You know the truth. Perhaps you operate with an out-of-sight-out-of-mind philosophy. It could be that your career, social standing, or family standing is threatened. Carefully thinking about the eternal outcomes is always appropriate.

Enemies of Truth: Sloth

Study is hard work. Solomon said study wearies the body (Ecclesiastes 12:12). Jesus used examples of hard work when he described searching for truth (Matthew 13:44 – 45; searching for treasure). While a Bible is easy to find, its truths require study, thought, and deep personal resolve. A slothful man rarely finds success, and when he does, he quickly loses it.

Jesus told a parable of three servants entrusted with a rich man’s wealth. Two of the servants worked and produced a return for their master. But the third man was lazy and afraid.

But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:26 – 30)

Observe that the master did not accept the excuse of fear, and he says the servant was slothful. Did you see the outcome? The slothful one was cast away into “outer darkness.”

Laziness and fear are terrible enemies of the truth. Let neither be named in your life. As Paul encouraged Timothy, be a “worker who never needs to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15).