Spring 2012 Christian Journalism assignment
Dallas Theological Seminary
Dallas, Texas
Speak Truth: Trust God
Parents and friends influence our views and beliefs. This includes our belief in truth. My dad epitomized truth. Some growing up with him considered truthfulness his biggest weakness. I witnessed an example of Dad’s honesty at our April 1983 farm sale. He unsuccessfully attempted to camouflage the devastation of losing the family farm.
Dad stayed near the auctioneer, answering questions concerning any of the equipment as it sold. At least once his answer probably hindered the selling price. Sadly, my sixteen year-old adolescent mind momentarily questioned his truthfulness. Yet, truth always prevails. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (truth), and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).
Unfortunately, some seek first the kingdom of self, believing secular success supersedes truth. A Past Toastmasters World champion offered stunning advice, “Exaggerations enhance the probability of winning the ‘World Championship of Public Speaking.’ Tonight’s winner excelled using exaggerations and ‘stretching the truth’ for humor, two necessary components of competing for the World Championship of Public Speaking.”
My laughter switched to disappointment upon realizing he, a veterinarian, lacked any desire for humor in evaluating the Region Toastmasters contest. As a Christian, I seek truth in everything, including humor. I ponder; does wisdom value “championships” more than integrity? How can one serve the God of truth, while honoring the “father of lies” (John 8:44)?
As expected, those seeking first the kingdom of self, change their approval of exaggerations when lies affect their wallet. For example, during speaking engagements I ask, “Who approves of exaggerating?” Upon request, an exaggerating approving volunteer hands his twenty-dollar bill to me in exchange for fifteen. I inquire if my exaggerating the fifteen to twenty dollars maintains equality in our transaction. His disapproving facial expression description exceeds 1,000 words.
How does a speaker’s message and a cash illustration correlate? The truthfulness of a communicator’s message affects and reflects truthfulness in the marketplace. Would you laugh if the aforementioned veterinarian exaggerated serum dosage in treating your family dog? Would you approve of him ‘stretching the truth’ on your invoice? A speaker’s approval affects his or her income. A deceitful communicator deceives for personal gain.
Imagine an organization’s hypocrisy when giving lip service to honesty, yet hiring speakers who exaggerate for their meetings.
Thirteen months and three weeks after the Region Toastmasters contest, I returned to my agronomy sales office on a beautiful August afternoon. My boss, Frank, invited me to step into his office for a visit. We enjoyed a cordial relationship.
This time Frank avoided small talk: “Rick, you are too honest for this position! We are seeking your resignation. If you submit your resignation letter within two hours, Ron will provide two weeks of severance pay.”
As a child, my parents and teachers disciplined me for dishonesty. I cleaned my office and desk while pondering past professional encounters in this position.
Two months earlier, a co-worker and church councilman declared, “Rick, we throw honesty and integrity out the window this time of year.”
I inquired, “Considering Jesus is the Truth, explain the benefits of throwing Jesus out the window.”
Two sales managers, Mark, a church councilman, and Al, separately challenged, “Rick, either ignore biblical principles such as honesty and treating the small clients with the same respect as the big clients, or fail in this position. Success in this position requires mixing truth with exaggerations, or ‘stretching the truth’.”
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” How do we exaggerate or stretch Jesus? Have we killed Jesus’ presence in the marketplace?
Does our communication synchronize with God’s Spirit of Truth? Does God approve of falsities? The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful (Proverbs 12:22). A Christian receives the Holy Spirit sent by the Lord Jesus Christ, from the Father. God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit exist in singular persons, yet as one triune God.
Consequently, those who submit their lives to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit delight in pure truth (John 4:23).
When we delight in exaggerating, ‘stretching the truth’ or any description of lying, we reject God and serve Satan—the father of lies. Speaking truth allows God’s communication through us; He collaborates in our true communication, lest God join our deceit which opposes His character.
The most common justification for lying stems from viewing truth as inadequate. Considering Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…,” does professional communication assume an inadequate or lying Jesus? Denying pure truth declares our message contains greater richness with exaggerations, falsities and ‘stretching the truth’, than with Jesus—the Truth.
As an undergraduate in Biology Lab, I dissected frogs. Everything from the frog’s body consisted of frog. Every examined cell, if tested, contained frog DNA. A true frog indicates all frog. A true message indicates “all true.” Satan, the father of lies, thrives on mixing truth and lies encouraging justification based on partial truth.
Dr. Martin Luther illustrates the dangers of questioning the validity of God’s word by equating the dialogue between the serpent and Eve in the Garden of Eden. “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). Martin Luther suggests Eve should have turned and departed from the serpent upon his questioning God’s word. Questioning truth’s necessity, questions God’s word.
Twenty-three years and six months after the farm sale, November 2006, Dad received a lung cancer diagnosis. A day and a half later, Dad sat in the hospital chair waiting for the nurse to bring breakfast. Hydrocephalus complicated communication with him. He requested, “We need to pray for God’s blessing on everyone we know.” Later in the morning he looked into my eyes, “Always trust God. Remember that son. Trust God always.”
“I will Dad, I will.” Dad died three weeks later.
Our eternal life depends on pure truth. Why should we exaggerate for earthly gain? Dad chose truth over financial gain, because he trusted God’s goodness.
Trusting God and loving people enables speaking truth.
