1 Kings 22 / Acts 13:16-41 / Psalm 138 / Proverbs 17:17-18
How difficult is it for you to speak truth when everyone around you is speaking otherwise? It’s sometimes easier to avoid conflict and keep silent in the face of falsehoods, but if you’ve ever been in that situation, you know how the lies will eat at your soul until you speak up. Either that, or you’ll avoid those people and situations due to not wanting to confront the lies.
I’ll be honest and say, I’ve done some of all of these. I’ve avoided people, topics, situations, but I’ve also spoken up when truth was being mangled. There are times when leaving people in their own deception is necessary because they may not be ready to hear Truth. There are also times when speaking up will allow someone to see Truth and gain freedom. We must discern which scenario we’re in.
As I read in 1 Kings 22, I was fascinated by the story of the 400 prophets prophesying one thing to King Ahab, while the prophet Micaiah spoke only what he heard God say although it caused him to be thrown into prison and given only bread and water until Ahab returned safely from a battle.
Of course, Ahab did not return because Micaiah had heard God and Ahab was going to be killed in battle. The 400 prophets were deceived by evil spirits and prophesying lies, telling Ahab to go into battle and that he would be victorious. In the end, the Truth prevailed. I must wonder what happened to the 400 false prophets. And hopefully Micaiah was released from prison.
We’re not likely to be threatened with prison if we tell the truth, however, there is the potential that we’ll be shunned or spoken ill of for our stance. If you knew the truth and you knew by speaking it you would be mocked, would you still speak Truth? That’s a tough question. It’s also a question I won’t make you answer.
However, it is something to consider. Just like one of my recent Words of the Week where I talked about being kind on purpose and planning ahead of time to love others, I bet we’ll be more confident and bolder if we decide ahead of time, we’re going stand up for truth.
I also believe that if you have a friend along, you’re more likely to be bold. That whole “strength in numbers” thing is real!
So, think about this topic today. Pray and ask God to help you be bold with Truth, no matter what it may cost you. Pray to be filled with Holy Spirit because it is He who gives us boldness to be a witness for Truth!
