Based on “Truth or Lies” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 5/16-17/09,
Message #2481; Daily Devotional #5 - “The Truth Will Set You Free”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): If you’re like me, you would like to think that you somewhat do a good job keeping yourself under control. Yet it is very humbling to know that one word from our mouth, one slander, one word of gossip can cause pain and strife. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. (James 3:2, NLT). I really pondered this verse, thinking that I try to conduct myself with integrity, but not even meaning to, I let words slip out of my mouth that never should. I find it constantly humbling to have to apologize for something that may have inadvertently hurt someone. It is a constant struggle to control our mouths from speaking our minds, and I can see why James said if we can control our mouths, we could control ourselves. Our mouths are a reflection of what our minds think. What was the true motive of what we said?
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): What is our motive? Was it necessary to say something about someone else? Did it build that individual up, or did it tear them down? I am sad to say that I know I have felt happy when someone else failed, because then I didn’t feel like such a failure. Again, I find myself humbled by Jesus’ example of lovingly accepting everyone with all the failures they had. He didn’t hold his holiness or perfection over anyone. He lovingly told them the truth. In return, some were thankful, such as Matthew the tax collector, and others like the Pharisees were not. Jesus didn’t come to win friends; he came to spread the Truth of GOD’s plan for our salvation. Not everyone wants to hear the truth; in fact, I know I don’t like to be told when I’m wrong. GOD’s Word tells us to examine ourselves and admit our weaknesses. It is in our weakness that GOD can do His greatest work, because we know it was not of our own strength, but the Holy Spirit living within us. When we live within the guardrails (cones) that GOD set, Jesus modeled, and the Holy Spirit convicts, it is very freeing. Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, NLT). We are to live our lives in such a way that the world sees a difference.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): We are not perfect, but when we do fail we can humble ourselves to apologize and save a friendship or relationship. It is about building others up in the same love Jesus showed. It is freeing to express the truth in love, and others will respect us for it. People want others to “be real.” Why do we need to pretend to be something we are not? It is a lot harder to live a lie than to just be who we are. It may be hard to admit our failures, but others can relate and learn from our mistakes. We are to live our lives in such a way that the world sees a difference. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:11-12, NLT). It is better to have someone speak highly of you than to have to build yourself up. If you speak the truth, you gain a trustworthy reputation.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Luke 6:43-45
jej
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
NLT = New Living Translation.