“Truth just for oneself, spoken in enmity or hate is not truth, but a lie, for truth brings us into God’s presence, and God is love. Truth is either the clarity of love or it is nothing.”- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Rich Villodas concludes Chapter 6 of The Narrow Path with the third reason we find ourselves untruthful.
3. Culture of superficiality. We often find ourselves in a shallow culture. A culture in which honesty rarely occurs. Most significantly, Rich bemoans, sometimes in Christian circles honesty and truth-telling feel too risky. Because that version of discipleship leaves no room for bad days. In addition, Rich finds communities that foster untruth not sustainable or life-giving.
Above all, Rich counsels, when we lie constantly that becomes our reality, putting our souls in grave danger. Father Ron Rolheiser explains this warning:
“Be careful about what you are doing just now, putting a false spin on something because it is too awkward to accept as true. The danger is that if you continue doing this you may eventually come to believe your own lie. That will be unforgivable, given that you no longer want to be forgiven because you will see truth as a lie and a lie as the truth.”
Hence, Pastor Villodas lists four ways that speaking the truth looks like. Thus, speaking the truth means:
- we say what we mean.
- we do what we say – what happens on the outside aligns with what’s going on inside.
- whatever we speak in one place we speak every place else.
- it requires the presence of love – love animates the truth we seek to offer.
In conclusion, Rich sees something powerful about honoring our promises for one another. And when we make and keep our commitments, that enriches our lives. Those who pursue integrity, albeit imperfectly, God honors.
So, Rich encourages:
“As you follow Jesus down the narrow path, you will see his faithfulness in your life. Slowly but surely, he will transform you into someone whose words are trustworthy and intentional.”
Today’s question: Do you agree with Bonhoeffer’s statement that truth is either the clarity of love or it is nothing? Please share.
Coming Monday: the October Short Meditation, “Our great heritage – God’s Word”
Tomorrow’s blog: “A god called mammon – rival god”