Truth Defenders
Today’s Verse
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. ~Ephesians 4:25
A couple of years ago, I was witnessing to a man from a certain foreign country. As I was explaining the concept of sin, I used the example of lying and speaking the truth. Surprisingly, this man told me that almost everyone from his country of origin was used to lying. He did not consider lying a sin because lying is a way of life for his government, the media, businesses, and politics. The city of Ephesus was just like that. The people were used to lying. Every facet of life was corrupted by lies, dishonesty, and deceit. Then, Paul brought the gospel to Ephesus and this changed. Paul made it adamant that the truth must be upheld. Let us see the necessity of being truth defenders.
We see the attribute.
Truth is absolute. Truth is what is factual, not less, and not stretched. Truth is bare honesty. Truth is an indisputable fact, principle, and representation. Truth is the Word of the gospel: that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. Truth is the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is all truth. Jesus is full of grace and truth. Truth is holiness in our words and actions. Truth is our witness of the gospel. Truth is an honest and genuine testimony of the Christian faith. Truth is walking in the light. Truth is the Word of God. Truth is utmost integrity. Truth is God.
We see the abandonment.
Paul said to put away lying. Putting away has the meaning of taking out the garbage and refuse. Many cities during Paul’s day disposed of sewage and garbage outside the city walls. Lying is a sin. The devil is a liar and the father of all lies. As a child of God, we need to take the garbage of lying and throw it far away from us. We must also abandon lying. Once we discard it, we are not to continue the evil practice of lying and fabrication.
We see the action.
“Speak every man truth with his neighbour.” Speak the truth in love. We are to gird our loins with truth. What must come out of us should be truth. The former way of life, where lying, deceit, and fabrication was our lifestyle, should be done with. Be truthful to your boss. Be truthful to your coworker. Be truthful to your spouse and your children. Be truthful to your spiritual leaders. Be truthful, even when you are at a disadvantage. Be truthful in all representations. The loins of a man represented his character and moral fiber. We are commanded to tighten the belt of truth around our loins and not slip in this vital area.
We see the appreciation.
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” By appreciation, I am referring to growth. Truthful living leads to spiritual growth. Real spiritual growth is in Christ. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Jesus said that the truth shall make you free. Solomon said, “Buy the truth, and sell it not.” We are to worship God in spirit and in truth. When we are truthful to God and each other, there is great margin for growth. When we are truthful to God, we confess our sins to Him. When we are truthful to God, we seek to do those things that are pleasing to Him.
This morning, let us be truth defenders. There is truth decay in this world. Let us buy the truth, speak the truth, uphold the truth, and defend the truth.
Have a truthful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Joshua 19-21