Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 2 Corinthians 4 and Psalm 122

Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. ² We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

What do you do when God has shown you that the only way for lost sinners to be reconciled to God is by repenting of our sinful ways, abandoning them completely, and casting ourselves on the mercy of God in absolute trust in the Lord Jesus Christ? What do you do when those to whom God has sent you to declare this way are living in deep depravity and are blind to the sinfulness of their ways – believing that they are doing nothing wrong? What do you do when you are certain they will not respond to this new way because they love their sinful lifestyles and are sure to reject any call to abandon it? What do you do when you anticipate that this message will be rejected and the messenger (you) may well be persecuted for daring to speak the message?

Do you ignore God’s call to announce the message? Do you change the message to suit the hearers? Do you water down the Gospel message? Do you twist the truth to make it more palatable or popular?

If your name is Paul the apostle, the answer is NO. Instead you reject such shameful and underhanded compromises. You don’t try to trick anyone into responding. You don’t try to get a positive response by distorting God’s message. Instead, you remember that pleasing God is your ultimate priority and you trust God enough to live and speak with scrupulous honesty in the presence of God – presenting the Gospel in plain terms exactly as you have received it from Him, and trusting that He will take that plain truth and draw people to Himself against all expectations and all the odds.

Life Application: In relation to sharing the Gospel, and in every other situation you face today, test every word you speak against the standard of honesty. This will honour the Lord who is The Truth, and will reveal your trust in Him. It may be very difficult, but the Lord will always give you the grace you need.