Truth 3

We are living in a generation where truth is increasingly being considered hate speech. It has become a generation where many leaders and authority figures (including parents) are terrified to confront issues with the truth for fear of being labeled insensitive, legalistic, hateful, unloving, or uncaring.

True love is willing to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular (Galatians 4:16). If a parent has a spoiled and undisciplined child, but never brings correction, does that parent genuinely love the child? Or are the parents more concerned about their reputation with the child and others?

People who are motivated by fleshly mercy will think this is too harsh or extreme. They would never agree with a Jesus who overthrows the money changer’s tables at the temple mount (Mark 11:15-17), or calls Pharisees and Sadducees vipers, children of the devil, or hypocrites (Matthew 23:13-29).

God deals with His children in love and truth. It is not one or the other. He loves us too much to leave us in the mess we are in, and sends His word to confront our sin, wrong attitudes, and unhealthy behavior. Jesus died and rose again so we could become like Him, not so we could continue to live in rebellion, disobedience, and ungodliness.

When I was a child, it was not considered abuse to receive discipline for doing wrong, whether at home (by parents) or school (by principals and teachers). Then “new” teachings and philosophies (1 Timothy 4:1) began to pour into our society that treated any form of discipline as harmful, as it pertained to raising children.

Of course, we can look around to see the impact that philosophy has had on our society. School violence, crime, rebellion, and rioting are at all-time highs and becoming increasingly worse.

Yet, there are those who believe there is nothing wrong with these behaviors and even applaud them. It reminds me of the passages found in Romans where Paul described the willful and blatant corruption of those who reject the truth of God to indulge in all types of immoral and depraved practices.

18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 

20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 

22) Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23) and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 

24) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25) who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 

26) For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 

27) Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 

28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32) who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:18-32

This shows the downward spiraling progression towards a calloused heart, seared conscience, and reprobate mind that has rejected the truth and reverential fear of God. This is a frightening place to end, but it all begins with the rejection and turning away from the truth.

Unlike those individuals, who suppress the truth…we must accept the truth so we can grow in Christ, and become transformed to His image (Romans 12:1-2).

Salvation is God’s gift to us through Jesus Christ. Spiritual growth is our gift to Him (through his help and grace) because it requires our cooperation, honesty, and sincere desire to please Him. Our surrender is what He wants, not to harm us, but to conform us into His image and likeness (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Let us examine our hearts to see if we are avoiding the truth in any area of our lives. If so, let us acknowledge it (1 John 1:9) and repent. Our Father is more interested in our transformation than we are and welcomes our surrender and openness to the sanctifying process of the Holy Spirit and His Word.

He waits for us to invite Him into every area of our life where we have believed and accepted a lie. Lies about ourselves. Lies about God. Lies about right and wrong. Lies against the truth.

We will close this series in our next post. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless and keep you.

James Brown

CST 10/12/2025