The wise man in the book of Proverbs admonishes us to “buy the truth, and do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23). Truth is to be a valuable commodity in our lives — we are to obtain it at all costs and once obtained, never let it slip from our hands. It is the truth that sets us free from the shackles of sin (John 8:32).
If we think that all people value the truth in the same way (even Christians), we will face a harsh reality. If everyone valued the truth, then we should be able to go out and tell people the truth and see them jump at the chance to go wherever it led. However, some people love darkness more than light, because their deeds are evil (John 3:19).
It is a false assumption that all the people claiming to be Christians were really striving to find out what God required of them — I’m talking about people who occupy the pews in buildings where true gospel preaching is heard. A lot of people want “the truth” as long as it does not disturb them or present any challenges in their lives. What about you? Can you honestly say that you love the truth? When it comes to religious matters, do you want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? In this article, I want to examine how people react to the truth.
Some People React With Anger
King Saul was told to utterly destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3) Saul did most of what God had commanded, but he spared king Agag and the best of the sheep and oxen (1 Samuel 15:8-9). Later, when Saul saw the prophet Samuel walking towards him he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord” (1 Samuel 15:13). The truth of the matter is that Saul had not obeyed the voice of God, and Samuel rebuked him for it (1 Samuel 15:14). Saul protested in anger and Samuel told him to be quiet (1 Samuel 15:20-23). Samuel then departed from the presence of Saul, never to see him again in this life (1 Samuel 15:34-35).
Paul preached to a Jewish mob in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 22:1-21). He taught the truth about Jesus, but when he mentioned his own mission to the Gentiles, they got angry. “And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!’ Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air” (Acts 22:22-23).
- For part 2 of this epistle, check out What Does the Truth Mean to You? (Part 2).