I have experienced that we surround ourselves with people who will encourage us. They excuse our faults and explain away the bad decisions. These people make us feel good no matter what we do. When we are feeling discouraged, we run to them and immerse ourselves in their comfort. While these people are absolutely necessary in our life, we also need to add to our entourage a truth-teller; someone who will tell us the hard things, correct us, disagree with us, and challenge us to do things differently.
Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
There are times where encouragement and agreement are not what we need. We need to be brought back to reality with direction and correction, and many times this is a hard message to receive. This is delivered by someone who is not intimidated by us and is not scared to deliver the needed message.
Proverbs 28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
This individual is not necessarily critical and judgmental. A truth-teller is someone who looks at your life critically and delivers a message laced with love for the purpose of seeing you commune ever closer to God. In reality, this individual is a true friend.
In I Kings, God had provided Ahab with a truth-teller that was able to be critical and judge his behavior and actions. However, Ahab did not appreciate the presence of this person in his life and unfortunately avoided going to him for direction.
1 Kings 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
Ahab only wanted to hear the good things. He only wanted comfort and agreement. He did not want to hear that he was heading down a destructive path. He did not want to be corrected! He “hated” the person that would point out the error in his ways. How very shallow of Ahab!
Sadly, I can reflect and recognize that I am not all that different from Ahab. Oh, how I bristle and get wounded when I am corrected! In my conversation with the Lord, I had to acknowledge that it is ironic that I will pray for God to give me wisdom and direction in my life, but yet I will be quick to reject those that will correct or critique my ways. Can you relate?
I have heard it said that God wants you to know his will far more than you do, and for that reason I believe that he does not leave you without a guide to correct (rebuke) and direct. Having a truth-teller in your life that will challenge your decisions, attitudes, and perspectives is so necessary to ensure you find and stay on God’s path. He is truly worthy of praise for His love for us. He does not leave us to stumble and fall over our bad thoughts and decisions. He is faithful to guide us and worthy of our praise and appreciation.
Psalm 148:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
We show our appreciation for the Lord by having an open ear to our truth-tellers that might be delivering His message and not “hating” them. I don’t want to be like Ahab. He had a big decision to make, and he needed guidance and direction but avoided the source that would provide him with this information. When I have this need, I need a truth-teller from the Lord to move me in the right direction. I recognize that my attitudes, behaviors, and personality can distort my decision-making process. Deception can also cause me to make wrong decision. A truth-teller has the ability to point out when I am being deceived.
Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone…
I must create space for someone to openly speak God’s truth and direction into my life. It might not be comfortable, but oh so critical! A truth-teller will help reveal areas in which I am being led astray and pulled away from God’s plan, protection, and will. Ilove that my Lord rightfully has a plan for me. Thankfully he does not leave me to figure out that on my own; nor does he keep it hidden. He gives me truth-tellers to help me figure it out.
Related Bible Passages:
1 Kings 21-22
Psalms 148
Proverbs 28
Revelation 20
Have a face to face conversation with your Lord:
Lord, who is my truth-teller?
Lord, have I silenced or pushed away my truth-teller?
Lord, am I truth-teller to someone?
Lord, I need your direction and guidance and for this reason I need a truth-teller. Please help me to be receptive to the criticism that will move me closer to you…
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Glory, Strength, & Beauty 