The Importance of Truthful Words
By Nate
Stevens
Words
matter. Truthful words matter more.
Such
absence of truth shouldn’t surprise us. When asked about the end times (our
current times, in my opinion), Jesus cautioned, “Take heed that no one deceives
you” (Matthew
24:4-5). He foresaw this rampant deception and warned against it.
The apostle Paul warned of a departure from truth (1 Timothy
4:1).
The apostle Peter warned about deceiving speakers (2 Peter
2:1).
The apostle John warned about “many deceivers” (2 John
1:7).
And we are now living in that reality.
Media
outlets spin their version of truth. Motivational speakers promote inner truth.
Apostate speakers and teachers encourage relative truth. Vague, new meanings blur
the true intent of words. Schools bombard children with acceptable
offensitivities (See how easy it is? I just made up that word!). Colleges
brainwash even young adults with strong faith-based, moral upbringings. Apologies
switch from “I am sorry and I was wrong” to “I’m sorry you misunderstood” or “I
simply misspoke.” Social media outlets rampantly tout misinformation. Fact-checkers
are biased to their slanted narratives. Technology large-language models incorporate
their programmers’ biases. Politicians blatantly lie to maintain power.
Artificial intelligence enables alternate, though completely deceptive, realities
where videos fabricate anyone’s face and lip movements to spout false messages.
And who believes any government anymore? Everywhere we turn, who can we trust?
And yet …
Scripture calls us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians
4:15).
It also warns, “The simple believe every word, but the prudent considers well
his steps” (Proverbs
14:15). Amazingly, Jesus placed a premium on truthful words by
confirming personal accountability for every idle word (Matthew
12:36). Maybe this is why wise Solomon cautioned, “Let your words
be few” (Ecclesiastes
5:2).
As a lists
person and an outliner, this leads me to the following three encouragements:
1.)
Let’s not believe everything we see, hear, or
read. The apostle John wisely instructed, “Do not
believe every spirit, but test [try, prove] the spirits, whether they are of
God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John
4:1).
It is foolish to accept news reports, social media posts, speeches, anything at
face value. Scripture calls those who do so “simple,” meaning silly, seducible,
and gullible.
2.)
Wisely research all subject matter before
saying, writing, or posting anything. The apostle Paul, a prolific
writer himself, said, “Prove [try, test, examine] all things” (1
Thessalonians 5:21). Beyond simply looking for something that aligns
with preconceived or preferred mindsets, let’s seek the truth from reliable
sources. Even if it confronts us with uncomfortable reality. Prudence demands
that we withhold credibility until we “search out a matter” (Proverbs
25:2).
3.)
Make your words count. If we
can learn anything from manipulative deceivers who are everywhere today, it is
that words have power. Deceptive words have massive power. But truthful words
have divine power. Let’s love people enough to tell them the truth—simply,
concisely, effectively, and powerfully. May we be like the prophet Samuel of
old where “none of his words fell to the ground” (1 Samuel
3:19).
Fiction
writers, fill your stories with God’s morality and righteousness. Non-fiction writers,
saturate what you write with the truth of God’s word. Think, speak, and write the
truth, then leave the outcome to God. “Whatsoever things are true … think on
these things” (Philippians
4:8).
Stay
blessed, my friends!
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com and Markus Winkler.
Nate writes online articles for ChristianDevotions.us
and KingdomWinds.com as well as several other ministries. Additionally, he
co-founded and leads Fusion, a Christian singles ministry. A popular speaker
and teacher at conferences, seminars and Bible study groups, he speaks on a
wide variety of topics. Nate has two adult
children. He and his wife, Karen, live near Charlotte, North Carolina. Follow Nate and find more resources at: www.natestevens.net.
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