What Might Change If You Don’t Compromise Truth?
Speaking the truth can be costly, but faithfulness is never wasted. Discover how God uses courageous obedience in ways we may never see.
I love when people get passionate about issues that confront our communities, leadership, and morality. They have a fire in their gut that makes them talkative—often they’re eloquent.
“Have you ever thought of running for office?” I’ve often asked people who actively engage me on an issue.
Invariably, the answer is, “No, I’m too outspoken—I won’t make any friends, and they’ll boot me out of office!”
I get it. The perception is that people who refuse to compromise the truth tend to make enemies—while other intentionally use say whatever keeps the spotlight on themselves. They embody the words of the 19th century showman, PT Barnum: “I’d rather have people talking bad about me than not talking about me at all!”
Truth isn’t about showmanship. It’s about speaking what needs to be said.
One such person in the Bible was Stephen who, in Acts 6-7, was falsely accused because of jealous rivals. Acts 6:11 (NIV) says, “Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
Stephen was “full of grace and power,” and generally, people liked listening to him. But his accusers had dragged him before the court on false and exaggerated pretenses.
Stephen’s defense, in Acts 7, was a lengthy, systematic recitation of the history of the Jewish people from Abraham to David. Reading the text you can just sense that his accusers were getting restless. Several probably gestured for him to speed things along. Someone probably shouted out, “Get to the point already!”
They were not going to be persuaded with nice words. So, Stephen switched it up. He spoke uncompromising truth:
“’You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.’”
“When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.” (Acts 7:51-54 NIV).
Stephen’s words were explosive! No accuser changed his mind, and he was martyred by stoning. He never saw the fruit of his boldness. He never knew the young man watching his execution would become the Apostle Paul. The value of speaking truth isn’t determined by the immediate response it receives but by faithfully proclaiming it and trusting God with the results.
How might God use your passion for the issues that affect your world?
If that’s an intimidating thought, consider Paul’s prayer: “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19 NIV).
Today, don’t compromise the truth because you fear the consequences. Pray for boldness, speak faithfully, and trust God with what follows.
