God Is Always Truthful - What About Us?

"Today's Devotion" For October 29, 2005

Read: Matthew 5:33-37; Psalm 132

GOD IS ALWAYS TRUTHFUL - HOW ABOUT US?

"The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that He will not revoke..." (Ps.132:11)

Honesty and truthfulness are virtues highly esteemed in our culture and society. Our national principles, based on religious tenets of truth and justice, hold that telling the truth is paramount for an open and free society. Our justice system, legal system, and political system work best when people are truthful in their actions and words. As a nation we have generally been incensed when our elected or appointed leaders have lied to us. One of our recent Presidents faced impeachment because he lied about some of his actions with a White House intern. At the same time as we become incensed over such betrayal of trust we have those who seek to mitigate the circumstances if the person involved in the prevarication holds their political or ideological philosophy. Of course, if those of conflicting political or ideological philosophy do the same thing then we're told that there's "corruption at the highest levels."

Sadly, it seems as if truth and honesty have taken a holiday once again in our government. Just yesterday, Stewart Libby, the chief of staff for the Vice President of the United States, was indicted by a federal grand jury on five felony counts, including obstruction of justice, lying to the FBI, and perjury to the grand jury. He immediately resigned, which could be construed as an honorable thing to do so the Administration can continue to do its job. Of course, as is always the case, those on the other side of the political and ideological aisle immediately claimed "corruption at the highest levels" (Senator John Kerry). At the same time an indictment is not a conviction and Mr. Libby will have his day in court, as is right and proper according to our system of justice. If he is indeed guilty of the charges filed against him, then he has broken the faith and trust of the American people and those whom he served and deserved the just consequences of his disregard for the law, justice, and the truth. At the same time, between the indictment and the ingenuousness of the Administration's opposition, we again seem to be facing a continuous disregard for honesty and the truth by more than just one man.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points out the importance of honesty and the truth for His disciples. He calls on us to keep our word; to say what we mean and mean what we say. Yet somewhere, deep inside of us, is this terribly conflicting thought process that leads us to believe that if the truth is distasteful or honesty will get us in trouble with others we should avoid them. Sin so often leads us to believe that we can disguise the truth and somehow avoid the consequences. People get the mistaken notion that it's possible to lie to protect ourselves or someone else from the consequences of our actions or the actions of others. In reality, as the saying goes, "truth will tell." What's even more telling is that in the absence of truth and honesty in our dealings with others is a sign of the spiritual decay that affects our lives because of the power of Sin. In the absence of truth the devil's own lie will take the place of God's truth. God's love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ are replaced with a false sense of security in the things of the world and our own power to "shape our destinies."

While people may give their word and then go back on the truth and their promises to others, God doesn't. His Word is always sure and certain. There's never any doubt as to where we stand with Him. We know from His Word how much He hates Sin. We know from His Word that the "wages of Sin is death." We know from His Word that He promises humanity grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in the blood of Christ. We know from His Word that, through faith in Jesus, we are covered by His righteousness and stand before the Father without Sin. God never goes back on His Word. His forgiveness and our salvation in Jesus is certain - it's real every day. Regardless of the world's disregard for the truth unless it's convenient, God is always inconveniently truthful with us. He shows us our sins and He shows us our Savior. He lets us know His hatred for sin, but always shows us His love for us sinners. Living in Christ's love we are empowered to live in Him and for Him. We are blessed with His truth - a truth that comes from our hearts and flows from our lips - so we can be His witnesses to the world around us. Thank God we never have to worry about His Word - He always keeps it.

Prayer: Father, thank You for always keeping Your Word to me. You have promised me grace and mercy, love and forgiveness, hope and peace in Jesus. You give me Your Word that in Jesus my sins are forgiven and I have the sure and certain hope of heaven in Him. You give me Your Word that by the power of Your Spirit, working in my Baptism, I am able to live in Your love and share it faithfully and truthfully with others. As You have always told me the truth and always let me know what You expect, help me to live with that same truth and honesty in how I live and work. Let my word count for the truth at all times so that I might be a faithful witness to Your love and power in my own life. As You have kept Your Word to me, help me to keep my word to others, knowing that I always speak in Your presence and You know the very thoughts of my heart. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.