“One who because of sensitivity and vanity rejects the serious words of another Christian cannot speak the truth in humility to others. Such a person is afraid of being rejected and feeling hurt by another’s words. . . . The practice of discipline in the community of faith begins with friends who are close to one another. Words of admonition and reproach must be risked.”- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”- John 8:21-32 (NIV)
As John Ortberg moves on in Chapter 9 of Everybody’s Normal . . ., he talks about an exchange in the film A Few Good Men. When Tom Cruise tells Jack Nicholson that all he wants is the truth, Jack replies with a snarl, “You can’t handle the truth.”
However, Pastor Ortberg underscores, Jesus espoused a profoundly different take on the subject. So, we must decide whom to believe, Jesus or Jack Nicholson. Hence, we need to make decisions about our spiritual life. As William Paulson writes:
“It is unlikely that we will deepen our relationship with God in a casual or haphazard way.”
Above all, John asserts, a big difference exists between deciding and preferring. Therefore, people need to make decision regarding their commitments about prayer, Scripture, and stewardship. but decisions alone fail to go far enough. Because we need to go public with those decision. And we need accountability.
As a result, groups like AA and Weight Watchers carefully structure around this one constant truth. Because they know that when people think they can live up to their best intentions on their own, that creates a recipe for disaster. Consequently, as Davied Watson writes in Covenant Discipleship:
“Anything that is subject to human limitations or error requires the collegial presence of another person to ensure responsibility. It is a fact of life.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses most help you to speak the truth in humility? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The secret of the snake”