Tangled Webs

Walter Scott Quoted: O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!

In many ways deceiving someone is worse than telling them a lie. A lie can be a short, even simple deviation from truth, and as long as you have a good memory, you can get away with it for a long time before being found out. Deceit however takes effort and time to build up a new and different picture which might have a basis of truth, but that kernel of truth is coated in another layer of deceit, and so it goes on with every part of the tangled web we try to weave. Let’s face it, we all know at least one person who is adept at this deliberate attempt to make themselves look better by trying to rewrite the truth to suit their own needs.

The child of God doesn’t need to fall into webs of deceit anyway, so why bring this subject up? Well, you could be forgiven for thinking the Christian is exempt, but think again. Are you always up front and clear in your speech to others? Sometimes we don’t want to tell that nice church steward how you really feel when they ask how you are doing, and that might be because you don’t have time to go into it. Or the subject is personal. Or just maybe you feel it’s none of their business. In any event what we say (yes, I do it too) can sometimes bear no resemblance to what we really feel or think. I agree that this example is not a particularly good one, and not very serious in anyone’s thinking.

Let your mind wander for a minute. No one wants to look bad to their family and friends. That’s human nature I believe, but that bit of our nature opens the door to more serious forms of deceit. The guy in church who always has it together, you know, the one who is the life of any group and knows and quotes his Bible sincerely? Is it possible that he is spinning a web of deceit, but all for good reason of course? Could he be hiding a broken relationship, marriage, or heart? It may be better for him to rise above his feelings when among friends. After all, nobody likes a moaner-groaner!

Then what about the well dressed lady who is always depressed and down, and first to tell you how bad things really are when you ask how she is doing, and she can go on a bit? Is it likely or probable that she is spinning her own web of deceit because she lost her husband just over a year ago, and doesn’t want her friends to know that she is really relieved because he was not good to her. It would look all wrong to her friends if she looked too upbeat when she should still be in mourning.

These are two very short and unlikely examples, but not impossible to understand. Now take a step back and look at yourself in the mirror. Is the person you see there, the same person that everyone else sees and knows? No, I thought not. Me neither!

An Oath

Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Professor Christine Blasey Ford gave testimony under oath, and swore before God that they would tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Years before, Ford alleges that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted, and tried to rape her. The details of the case before the US Senate Panel are well known, and in the public arena. I have no intention of going over that ground, but have to say something else.

Both of these people took an oath to tell the truth, but one of them did not. Let me put it another, stronger way, either Kavanaugh or Ford is a deliberate, blatant, bare faced, serial liar. Both will go into society with their name besmirched, but only one with real cause. One will have to live this lie for the rest of their life forever wondering if something else will surface to add to the story, the other will have a clear and clean conscience.

The USA takes a certain pride in its Christian roots, hence the use of the oath in any court or process like this one. We are led to believe that all seriously minded and sincere Americans, independent of political party, will respect and honour the oath. Perjury is no small matter. It comes down to the integrity of their word, and someone’s word is in the gutter now, and for the rest of their life. When they each took that oath, they recognised that the Great Judge also heard it and will pronounce accordingly when they leave this earth and enter eternity.

What makes it worth the lies? An academic career? A place on the Supreme Court? Both have so much to lose, but only one retains their dignity with integrity. The process was called a ‘circus’ by one of the Senators. What a charge to lay at the feet of the greatest democracy this world knows. That reputation has now been trashed, and I for one am sad that it was found wanting at a time like this. It is no wonder the following verses came clearly to mind:

But you did not honour the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription. This is the inscription that was written: mene, mene, tekel, parsin. Here is what these words mean:
Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to [others]’ Daniel 5:24-28 NIV

Safe Hands

Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:14 NLT

When something or someone is precious to us, we insist that anyone who will look after them must be a safe pair of hands. Do you remember the time and effort you took to ensure the babysitter you chose for your young child was safe? You would never take a risk with the precious gift of life that you were entrusted with.

We have the greatest gift in our salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ. A free gift to all, and just for the asking, but to be fully effective, that gift needs to be in good hands. Paul’s instructions to the young preacher and pastor are unambiguous. They were clear and applicable then, and they remain the same today. Like Timothy, we who bear the name of Christ have been entrusted with the precious truth of the gospel, and that can only be fully effective and achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit.

If we look at this from another angle, what if you notice that this precious truth is NOT in safe hands, and as a result the gospel is seen by others as something contaminated, not to be trusted but to be avoided at all costs? What a high price is paid by those we love when some don’t have those essential safe hands for the precious truth of gospel! Just thinking out loud!

...and nothing but the truth...

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 ESV

When you take an oath to tell the truth in a court of law, you don’t get to pick and choose which parts of the story you tell. It’s not just the truth that’s needed, it’s the WHOLE truth and ONLY the truth. The oath used by most courts says: “I promise to tell the TRUTH, the WHOLE TRUTH, and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.” But why is this oath so tightly worded?

When we are faced with a situation that might put us in a bad light, or show us up in the eyes of family and friends, we choose the easy way of telling only a part of the story, and it may well be true. That also goes as we recount and retell someone else’s account of events, and perhaps even more so. Telling the whole story can be a hazard to our perceived integrity and reputation, so we speak the parts that only go our way, and leave out the damaging parts. You become very vulnerable when you decide to tell the whole truth, and our human nature doesn’t like it when our pride takes a hit.

When Scripture says the heart is deceitful and sick, it does not overstate or sugar coat the problem. In truth, if we look at our own lives, we don’t always tell the whole truth, and we take the chance no one will notice so that we get away with it, again especially as we retell someone else’s story. And anyway we think, the other person who has a different view, is doing the same thing, so we are equal. Yes, we have hearts that are desperately wicked.

We all know that someone who will only answer the part of the question you put to them, and they hold back the rest. The result is that you must ask the correct questions to get closer to the truth, assuming that you do eventually believe you got the full story. How do I know this? Firstly, the Bible tells me, and secondly, I do recognise that heart and at times, it is mine. Sadly, I can get away with only telling a part of the whole truth that I know, and only seldom get caught out. What about you? Are you open and honest enough, when faced with a real question, to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Tough ask, isn’t it? So who is the only one who can be trusted with the whole truth? We must leave that answer in the words of the next verse and be open to the Lord’s searching and testing.

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10 ESV

Berean?

As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:10,11 NIV

I’m one of those annoying people who treats their faith as important. It is important on a surface level as I sit in a pew, sing the songs, pray, and soak in the sermon which has been prepared by a Godly pastor. But it’s more than that. If I am going to believe in the Gospel that my church teaches, and that it is truth, then for me it is important enough to know why I believe it. So, the theology behind the doctrine is important too because it must be in harmony with the Bible.

The result in my case is that I will look into the beliefs closely, and check them against Scripture and only then what other commentators say. The reason is simple. When we do anything else in this life, or buy into any secular scheme, we do it with much care. This is more important than choosing my next car, so it must be even more important that I get my theology right.

So far, so good, but there can be a problem that comes with the quest. While chasing up, and checking out the truth of doctrine, I find myself asking other pastors and leaders whom I respect, what they think, and more importantly, believe. This can come across as questioning their own faith, and that is far from the truth. I am not in college or university, so I don’t sit at the seat of learning to sharpen my faith. I have to do that part by bouncing my thoughts off other human beings, and I try to choose carefully. Unfortunately, I have found to my horror that I have unwittingly offended as I chase the importance of my church’s theology.

After all, each church has its own take on interpretation, so do I just stick a pin in a sheet of names and go there? Do I blindly accept the doctrine of the church I attend, or do I find out why? Eternity is real, so my thinking is that the articles of faith I accept are important. I trust I will be like the Bereans and examine the Scriptures first and foremost.

Question: How do you and I confirm the beliefs that are important to us and our church?

The Untarnished Gospel

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13

Possibly like you, I have sat under many sermons and from many differing churches and pastors. Sometimes I did not recognise the gospel that brought me to Christ. I believe we can be guilty of making the gospel something it is not. At the risk of offending or saying something out of turn, let me share with you some of the things that the gospel is NOT.

The gospel is NOT:

A talk on history. Not even middle east history.

A lecture on Sociology.

A discourse on Psychology

A comparison of religion to science

… If I needed any of these improvements to my education, I would go back to University or Night Classes. My own thought is that these things can be used to show how clever or knowledgeable the preacher is. They do not have anything to do with the gospel, the grace of God or our salvation.

When will we get back to basics and preach the whole gospel in our various churches? Our wise God gave us all that we need to know, through His Word, and the advice to young pastor Timothy when he encouraged him, and us, to:

Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

Same In - Same Out

You know the old truth, “Don’t expect anything different to happen if you keep on doing the same things”. It’s a fact, but sometimes overlooked in church circles. There are some things that should never change, no matter what happens, for example the certainty of our salvation, even though numbers around you are dropping. Or the preaching of the Gospel.

However, there are other methods we use today, which may have worked 40 years ago, but don’t work now. Church attendance across most denominations is falling, and leaders wring their hands and say, “what are we doing wrong?” One change is that parents no longer send their children to church or Sunday School, and that has made a big difference!

If the methods we use are working against us, then it’s time to change to something different. It seems a lifetime ago now, but in engineering we were used to watching for the downturn of results, and making corrections before things got too far out of hand, making recovery impossible. We are not good at that in church circles, because we don’t like admitting to defeat, and we tell ourselves not to quit because that would be the wrong thing to do. Or is it? We can be prone to “wait and see”. Unfortunately, in business and yes, even in church, there are times when we have to admit defeat, abandon a particular project, and move on!

There may be no certainty that doing a new thing will work, but one thing is sure, we can always tell when the present setup is not working. As a final thought, It is very true that “numbers are not everything”, but have you noticed that this is usually said by members of a small church, with little history or outlook of growth?

ABC

The leader of a UK main political party recently announced that he was standing down. At the recent General Election his party won more seats, with an increase in membership. So, why the resignation of an apparently successful leader?

Tim Farron is a Christian, and was not afraid to say it. He paid the price because the media hounded him to explain his views on homosexuality, same sex marriage, abortion etc. which he had tried to keep separate from his politics. As a Christian, of course he is out of step with the mainstream secular, ‘godless’ society and the media made no bones about making him a target. I am forced to ask an obvious, but simple question. If Tim Farron was a Muslim or a Hindu would it have caused such a stir? Absolutely not (in my view)! Our once ‘Christian nation’ now adopts the ABC approach. That’s “Anything But Christianity”. We seem to take delight in running down anything or anyone “Christian”, but the same rules do not apply to other faith groups. Is that because Christians are an easy target for a lazy ‘put down’ by the media? After all, Christianity is based on love and forgiveness, not fighting, revenge, or jihad.

Our Western nations in general, are (or at least were) mainly Christian, forming laws based on the principles contained in the Bible. Not so much now, as we are more than happy to use Christlike people fodder for comedians, atheists and naysayers. We should not be surprised, after all Jesus warned us that we would be criticized and insulted because of our faith, and he should know, after all He was cruelly tortured and murdered! Knowing what lay ahead, Jesus warned us with these words:

People will hate you because you belong to the Son of Man. They will make you leave their group. They will insult you. They will think it is wrong even to say your name. When these things happen, know that great blessings belong to you. Luke 6:22 ERV  

Gentleness

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:14-16

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

I have used the words, “I am just speaking the truth in love” quite often, and you may have done the same. These words are almost always used in a way to tell someone some ‘truth’ they don’t know, or are uncomfortable with (you think!). It pretty much always comes in a condescending way, and the sad thing is, we know it. I think we have these verses in Ephesians incomplete in emphasis and meaning.

Having taught us that we are not to be tossed about by teachings which are cunning, crafty, deceitful, and scheming, the next words are “instead, speaking the truth in love we will become the mature body of Christ”. It follows that this is a call for believers NOT to be like, or copy the others, but to be more like Jesus. Paul takes the theme further in Galatians, and says gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. We need to let that sink in! And long before Paul’s epistles, Solomon reminds us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath”. The theme throughout Scripture is clear and unambiguous.

This verse may be better rendered as “speaking the truth OF love” as this gives a clearer indication that our speech should be more like our Master, Jesus. We know that “God is Love”, and Jesus is “the Truth”, so in speaking truth OF love to others, it should always be God-loving, and Jesus-truthful. Even then sadly, for some Christians, that may be too difficult!

Tru-lary. The Solution?

I admit it. It’s my own fault. I watched the debates, all three. Since they were aired in the middle of my night, I recorded them and watched the next day. You would have thought one would have been enough, but no, I had to watch all three. It was like seeing a car crash or a train wreck. I didn’t want to see any more, but I watched anyway. I couldn’t help myself, and I am asking why, now that we are down to a few days before the USA Presidential Election. Mind you ‘Presidential’ is one thing neither of these candidates are, but one of them will become President, but neither has behaved in a ‘Presidential’ manner, and as an outsider with no vested interest, that worries me.

I have, and still do, enjoy a good relationship with our American cousins. As a family we had the pleasure to live and work in various parts of the great nation, staying a year or more at a time, over five separate visits and three different States. I found the country, and its people equally kind hearted, friendly, and sincere. Imagine my shock to have followed this election and see the nasty side, not just of politicians, but of ordinary people, some whom claim to be Christian.

Are these two candidates the best this great nation can muster? Let me be clear, we can’t blame the candidates for being where they are. That is down to the voting that took place person by person, State by State to whittle down many starters to the two now left to finish the race. I think that is what surprised me most. The bad blood, rancour, lies, half truths, arrogance, bullying, infantile tantrums, closed mind tactics by the leaders and their followers who will support them in just about anything they say is what got to me most. I am reminded of the truth of these verses by David in Psalm 36:2-4 (NIV):

“In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.”

Discernment With Love

We can always do the ‘discernment’ bit and sometimes all too easily, but what about the ‘love’ part? In the world we are encouraged to ‘give the benefit of the doubt’ and I agree with that sentiment. Our laws even bear this out because we are ‘innocent until proven guilty’. Why then do we as Christians have a problem when we deal with others in the church?

The more we read the Bible as the Word of God, the more we realise how little we know or understand. The truth is, at the start of our faith journey, sometimes we have it all together, and know all the answers. Oh we don’t say that, but we act like it. I suppose it is easier to stand on top of the moral high ground and point down, than it is to get down with the same folks we criticise and be the Godly example they might need and want to see.

Discernment is a God given gift of the Spirit, not given to all, and should not be used lightly or abused. Worse still it should not be practiced by someone who has not been granted that gift directly from God. On the other side of the coin we have love, and let’s face it, we are all encouraged and able to show love. Love to other Christians and those we like to be around, but also to those we don’t like, and wouldn’t have as a friend normally. So, which is better? To show a misplaced knowledge of discernment, or to show love to all of God’s creation? The moral of this is that it isn’t always right or good to take the easy option.

….for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:13,14

….bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:13-15

Peace?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

At one end of the scale, we have the Pakistani Religious Body (Council of Islamic Ideology) which says men should be allowed to 'Lightly Beat' their wives (yes, that’s plural). At the other end of the scale we have feuding Muslims who kill each other, usually Sunni instigated, and who also have a deep hatred of other Muslims, Christians and Jews. In fact hatred to death extends to the infidel, ie anyone who is NOT a Muslim. Have you watched the news bulletins? These deaths are counted in their thousands, not singly. On top of that, they do not accept that the nation of Israel has the right to exist. How much hatred does that show, and yet we, as a nation, and individually, make allowances and excuses for them. After all, we are told Islam is a religion of peace and our politicians line up to agree and sympathise. The words of an old saying come to mind, “There are none so blind as those who will not see.”

Let’s have a look at some of the other practices of this ‘peaceful’ religion. Let me be clear, these practices are not practiced by all Muslims all the time, but they ARE all Muslim beliefs practiced and authorised by their holy book, the Quran also known as the Koran which ALL Muslims believe in and accept fully.

• Sharia Law will authorise a thief's hand be cut off for stealing.

• Young girls beaten to the point of death for listening to the ‘wrong music’

• The kidnap of young girls to sell as slaves, or ‘wives’ to Islamic fighters

• A belief that the infidel can be beheaded

• Muslims will kill other Muslims who are of a different branch or sect

• Believe in the elimination of Israel and its people from the face of the earth

• Believe in setting up a caliphate where Islam rules completely in law and religion

• Enforce Sharia Law to supercede the laws of any/every land

• Deface and burn down churches and synagogues

• Destroy ancient religious relics if not Islamic

• Support so called honour killings

• Believe that girls should not be educated

• Martyrdom ‘guarantees’ paradise

Whenever a nation is abused by Muslims (sometimes called Islamic extremists, but they are one and the same) and many people are murdered and maimed in the name of Allah, our politicians say “We are at war”. Really? It doesn’t look like it, and the murdering Muslims know it! There are no mass demonstrations by ‘ordinary Muslims’ protesting about these barbaric practices. I suggest they don’t need to protest publicly because there are enough infidel apologists who will speak up on their behalf, and defend them. Is it possible that our leaders and politicians know the true face of Islam, and don’t know what to do or say out of fear?

We are getting that we don’t like to say anything about the ‘religion of peace’, after all we don’t want to offend anyone. Especially if they want to kill us. A definition is needed because meaning is lost. “Islamophobia” by definition is the fear of Islam. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are NOT afraid of Islam, or Muslim followers, and we should be free to speak the truth about this barbaric, abusive, warring, religion followed in fear by their own adherents. The politically correct politicians don’t want this openness, and the many thousands of people who don’t care about religion or faith, let it all wash over them as long as they are not affected.

The following poem was penned by Pastor Martin Niemoller about the Nazi ‘Final Solution’:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

I think it’s time to add the lines….

Then they came for the Christians, and I did not speak out—

And I was a Christian.

Trouble

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The Bible is full of truth, and there are times you read a verse that you know very well, but it hits you in a different way. Stronger, personal, and more powerful in its intensity. Such are the words in this verse.

Trouble. Jesus doesn’t say where it will come from, so we have to keep an open mind. Each of us will endure different kinds of trouble which could include health, big life changing decisions, education, family death, depression, anxiety and the list goes on. Since the kind of tribulation is not mentioned, we know that the next phrase applies to each and every one we may face. Remind yourself of these words as often as necessary, and tell yourself that they are the words of Jesus. “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Did you get it? Read it again, and let it stick because there will come a time when you will need to remember them word for word.

There is another word tucked into the middle which might be overlooked as we think of overcoming. The words are these: “in me you may have peace”. Peace is a commodity in short supply in today’s world, and happy (blessed) is the one who achieves it. I love the words of Jesus who talks about this in John 14:27 when He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”. Amen and Amen!

In the Beginning, God

Christians of all sorts of denominations and theologies have differing views on the path of human life after initial creation, but we all agree on the origin of man. It is clearly taught in the first verse of the first book of the Bible, Genesis, in the familiar words we all know, “In the beginning God created”. It is after that point the various differences and even disagreements come in. How old is the earth? What part, if any, did evolution in any form play in the way we adapted and changed to our environment? To be more accurate, we usually refer to Charles Darwin’s book “On the Origin of Species” and the furore it caused when his Theory of Evolution was first introduced and published in 1859. That was over 150 years ago and we still debate its truth and relevance.

I sometimes wonder why we have so much trouble reading and understanding from Genesis 1:2 onward, when we seem to be happy to accept the first four words of verse 1? We can rule out the atheist community because they don’t believe in God anyway, and at the time Darwin’s theory had a willing audience because this theory doesn’t require a God to make it work for them. In fact Darwin wasn’t happy with his research and didn’t publish for many years because he did believe in God.

Professors of Theology of various church groups and denominations are happy to debate creation and evolution for as long as you like, and never seem to agree. If evolution was a certainty, the theory would be fact, and the case for evolution would be proven. But it can’t be shown by science. It’s like proving the Loch Ness Monster does or doesn’t exist. It is subjective, and there is no scientific evidence for either. This is a matter of faith alone and not hard science.

So, for my own part I will accept the Biblical account of creation in faith as fact, until it can be proven without any shadow of a doubt that there is no God, and I don’t see that happening. Science can address many laws and prove them by repetition of results and the application of time, but science cannot address feelings and emotions like; love, joy,  peace, patience, hate, life, death, right, wrong, good, bad, altruism and the list could go on. I find the God of the Bible the perfect Person and place to go in times when I don’t need a scientific proof, but I do need comfort and understanding. Try putting these under a microscope to prove their existence!

I Don't Gossip?

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 2 Corinthians 12:20

The apostle Paul knew the people he was writing to, and was aware of their hearts. They claimed to be following Jesus, but they had some serious shortcomings. We think this verse can be discounted compared to some ‘bigger’ sins considered more significant, so why did he have to bring slander and gossip up at all? After all, we know better nowadays and don’t do that in our church, and anyway I wouldn’t stoop to that level when talking about anyone, and certainly never about my fellow believers. Right?

Do you ever listen to the words as they come out of your mouth, raw and unfiltered? Others listening might hear clues like, “Did you see what she did”? Or, “They made a right mess of that”. Or, “I wouldn’t have done it like him”. Or, “Other folk don’t like her, and I can see why”. Or, “He’s no good at that job, so he should quit and let someone else do it.” Or, “Are they really Christians, because you would never know”. Do you see yourself in these critical comments now?

Face it. You gossip, and so do I. Paul saw it in his Corinthian friends, even though they didn’t, and we are no different. Gossip is one of those sins we can see easily in other people, but don’t recognise it in our own lives. Because everybody does it, we just fit in so readily. The final word must come from Paul’s word to his church in Ephesus:

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

The Truth of the Matter

It is election time in the UK. The Scottish parliament elections for a new group of MSPs and the in/out EU Referendum are constantly in our media streams, and if I hear the words “The truth of the matter is…”, I will not be responsible for my actions. Whose truth? These words are spoken with passion and conviction by all sides, and about the self same question or situation. No wonder we are confused and switched off.

Politicians are famous for doing it, but we do too. Truth is bandied about like a shuttlecock in a badminton game. It becomes a tool to be used to make a point, and the meaning of the word is completely lost on us. So how can we know what the truth is? I suppose the truth, or part of it, is hidden in among the arguments used but it is disguised by the lies and half truths that surround it, so where to turn? We have some serious decisions to make, but we are left to our own devices on what to do. We certainly can’t trust any of the politicians. None!

But is the truth a ‘what’, or a ‘thought’ to be figured out? I don’t believe so, but I am convinced the truth is not a ‘what’ but a ‘who’ in the form of a person who cannot lie or tell half truths, or even mislead to suit his own ends. Having said that we must be prepared to hear the truth, and recognise it as such. Jesus tells us directly in John 14:6,  “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So, the next time you hear a politician, or anyone else for that matter, say the words, “The truth of the matter is…” don’t ask where the information came from, ask yourself if they are the kind of person who is close enough to Jesus to know that truth for themselves? Then and only then will you and I have the truth to the question being asked and answered!

He'll Never Know

I was about 10 years old and because I was the only boy, and eight years younger than my sister, I got away with a lot. The 1950s was a good time to grow up. Even though the nation was just recovering from the ravages of war, and food was not plentiful, freedom was not taken lightly, and we were trusted. Trusted to act properly, and above all to tell the truth. We didn't know it, but we were being taught thankfulness and integrity at the same time.

My dad was a good and Godly man. He was easy to look up to, respect, and love. We didn't talk much about love then, but we knew it and could feel it. Love was all around us, and tangible. However a love like that has to be tested, and even as a 10 year old, I knew a day of testing would come, and it did.

Like many others, my dad had a small plot of land to grow much needed vegetables, and I would go with him on a Saturday morning, straddled over the crossbar of his bike on the 10 minute cycle to the days work. My attraction was not the work on the ground, but in the fact that we were a short walk to Palm Beach, and whether the tide was in or out, there was adventure. Sliding in the wet mud, or throwing stones and skimmers was allowed, but the last words spoken by my dad were always, "don't go in the water". Tell a child often enough not to do something, and guess what happens? The urge to do the forbidden thing grows inside you until that itch just has to be scratched.

The day came when I broke my word, but I figured, he will never know, because I would paddle up to my knees, and will be completely dry again by the time I got back to the hut at the plot. The plan was foolproof, so I took my shoes and socks off, and rushed into the River Clyde. It felt so good. I had got away with disobeying my dad, no one would ever know, and it was a good feeling into the bargain. That feeling lasted about 10 seconds, because in my rush I slid on a submerged seaweed covered rock, and I went down. Not only that, I went under, and was completely and totally soaked. The game was up, and I knew it, so back to the hut at the plot I trudged, knowing that judgement was mine. Not only that, but my punishment was deserved. I had gone against the only thing my dad had asked of me, and now it was obvious to anyone who saw me walk back from the river, that I was saturated from head to toe. The only dry things were my shoes and socks, which I carried.

My dad saw me coming, and I had no time to hide, or even get an excuse ready. My deserved punishment was coming, and I knew it was my own fault. I said the only thing I could and I meant it. "I'm sorry dad". It was enough. He didn't give me what I deserved for disobeying, and instead with a father's love, he told me to sit by the wood stove in the hut and stay warm, while he peddled back to the house for dry and clean clothes. My dad made sure I was safe, dry and forgiven. Forgiven. What a lovely word. Many years later I see the episode as a parallel to God's ready forgiveness for our wilful sin, when we do something thinking, "He'll never know", but we learn that to get His total forgiveness, all we have to do is say and mean those simple words, "I'm sorry Dad", and He will. But we have to ask first. I am glad my earthly dad forgave me, but more glad that my Heavenly Father forgave me. Just a thought, have you said sorry to God? 

This also reminded me of the old Sunday School verse in Numbers 32:23: "Be sure your sin will find you out". It was true then, and it is still true now.

Somebody's Lying!

“Don’t tell me lies. I can’t stand lies!” The words were spoken with chilling sincerity. A mum to her daughters and to her husband. I mean, as if we would! We were almost afraid to tell even the faintest whiff of a fib, never mind an outright lie. That has stayed with me, and to this day I cannot stand deliberate lies or deceit, given just to save face.

There was a terrible chemical attack on the innocents in Syria this past week. The perpetrators can fire the nerve gas rockets, and they can be big macho men, but they don’t have the backbone to tell the truth. Somebody is lying! There was another case of a celebrity accused and arrested for abuse that happened some years back. It is his word against a fistful of the abused victims who say he was a predator. Somebody is lying.

When a government or a highly paid famous celebrity shouts, “It wisnae me. It wis a big boy and he went that way” you can be sure something is wrong. The Shakespeare play Hamlet, has these words, “She doth protest too much”. It was a true saying then, and it is still true today. But just where do these and all lies come from? They come from an evil heart. Am I allowed to use the word evil, because we don’t usually like it because we are all sophistaced now to know that evil does not exist, but we are just misguided. The devil himself is in the hearts of these liars, after all, the following verse shows what Jesus thought about the source of lies and deceit: You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 NIV

Friends

You have been best friends for many years, and have gone through some bad times, but many more good times and you know each other really well. In a way you have grown to be like each other, and in an uncanny way, you sometimes know what the other is thinking, and can even finish each other’s sentences. In fact, there is a comfort in that friendship which is hard to put into words because it goes so deep, and has lasted so long.

Then, out of the blue, another ‘friend’ tells you some things about your best pal that you never knew, and these are not good things. In fact, they make you cringe, and you are left with some questions of your own, and many problems too. You have been assured that you are hearing the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it sounds, and you have only been told these things for the best reasons, and to save you heartache further down the road.

What do you do? It’s a dilemma worthy of a peak time TV soap plot. Either way you will probably lose a friend, but which one? One has been at your side for many years and there was never a hint that anything was wrong, but the other is offering to help you by telling you the truth about that close relationship which they say wasn’t all that you thought it was.

A final thought. What is your advice if that special relationship isn’t a person??

Actors and Celebrities

The cameras seem to follow actors and celebrities, and as a nation we seem to hang onto their every word and action. They do a lot of harm by portraying characters and situations which are less than wholesome, and they get Oscars, Grammy awards, and Baftas for speaking words written for them to say. They don’t have an original thought in their ‘job’. The clue is in the name. Another well known UK soap actor, followed by millions, has been charged with serious counts of sexual abuse including child rape.

There are magazines dedicated to following the lives of the rich and famous, who seldom do anything to help anyone but themselves. They live in the rarified atmosphere of film studios and our TV screens, and we elevate them to positions of sainthood. Why?

Occasionally, an actor or celebrity will take a trip, usually between jobs, to be seen doing some ‘good’ to the underprivileged in a third world country, and we gasp in admiration and adoration at their efforts. Our hero(ine)s are actually good people. Maybe they are, but I can’t help but go back to the title of their day job. They are actors. How can I trust that they are really interested in the children they are photographed with? Or is it another case of a career needing a boost of good news before they go back to playing the seedy roles they are so good at? Where is the truth? Does it lie in their scripted words? Does it lie in their good works while being followed by a film crew among disadvantaged children? Is their concern real, or another opportunity to be seen by their adoring fans who can now relate to how kind they really are when they pay to see their next 18 rated movie?

A recent UK poll showed the least trusted professions as: bankers, politicians, journalists, and estate agents, but actors/celebrities do not figure in the top 10, so am I out of line when I ask you, “what is truth, and who do YOU trust to speak it”? If we cannot trust these professionals, who or what would YOU place your trust in? Just asking.