I saw two quotes on social media that caught my interest. The first was from that prolific author, Unknown. “The church can never be the salt of the earth, if we keep sugar coating the gospel.” The second was a quote from one of the wisest men in our country, Thomas Sowell. “When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” Those quotes reminded me of Paul’s admonition to Timothy. “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them what their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the good news, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” (2 Timothy 4:3-5) Let’s take a closer look at each of those quotes.
As Christians, we are the church. Jesus teaches us as His followers that we, not just church leaders, are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We don’t need to sugar coat God’s word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in particular. That sweetness might satisfy some people looking for a little fire insurance without a change in their life; but it won’t satisfy the hunger of true seekers of God’s love, mercy and grace.
I haven’t heard it in a long time, but when I was a boy people would say, “I swear. What I’m telling you is the gospel truth.” There is nothing truer than the Gospel. Jesus himself is the personification of truth. If we really want to help someone, we will tell them the truth even when it is not what they want to hear. If we just want them to think highly of us, we can tell them what they want to hear, even if it doesn’t really help them.
Paul’s prediction has come true and is as current as the evening news. He encourages his young pastor friend to hold fast to the ministry to which he was called even if it costs him followers and may even cause some to ridicule him for preaching the Gospel Truth. I introduced someone to my blog that I encountered on social media this week. The reaction was, “You are sure set in your ways.” I take that as a compliment, whether it was meant that way or not. When you know and share the truth, there is really no other option to consider. May we, as children of God, share His truth with others. We can always be sure that will be pleasing to our heavenly Father.