Need for Good Integrity, Honesty, etc.; Truth Will Set You Free

 I grew up loving “Peanuts.” Do you read it? I read comics at a very early age compared to most. I was glad to see a “Peanuts” movie come out a few years ago.

One great lesson is that Charlie Brown signs the wrong test paper – his wasn’t the best in the school like the one he signed. (Plenty of other cool stuff happens, so I didn’t spoil much.) He admits it and turns down an award though only he – and God - would have known if he’d lied.

God knows everything. That Charlie Brown admits his mistake is a great lesson because it shows the importance of standing for what’s right, even if it leads to problems. Others notice when you do something like that and will respect you for it. 

That doesn’t mean the whole world will. The world’s system says to do anything to get ahead. But the world promises earthly riches which will pass away. Standing for the truth earns us Heavenly rewards that last forever.

John 8:32 is often quoted in part and thus misunderstood. Jesus is speaking of Himself when He says “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” He means freedom from sin and spiritual death. Yet, this is one of those rare times the world’s misusing a verse can be used for Hos glory. This is true for 2 reasons.

First, “The truth shall make you free” by itself can be used to refer people to the Bible & the freedom Jesus offers. It’s true, after all. In fact, I know a *great* video for you yto watch and share. Look up “Ee-taow, the Mouk story.” It’s only about 25 minutes, and tells of the Gospel being shared with the Mouk (Papua New Guinea). Ee-taow is their word for “it is true.” The ending as people shout ee-taow is great. I want to hear your reaction to it when we finally regather, for those in Youthquake. (Others, just e-mail me.)

Second, standing for truth does set you free. One commandment is “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” When we tell the truth, a great burden is lifted. We don’t have to cover things up or have our conscience bother us. We can talk freely about things that bother us and have good relationships. People can trust us, so we have more chances to witness. Not all will believe, but on average you’ll get more business, so you can make more money, if you are trustworthy. Our reputation is something that takes years to build and can be destroyed overnight. It doesn’t have to be a lie; it can be anything immoral or unlawful, even if you don’t get caught right away. The Bible says “Your sin will find you out” in fact. (Num. 32:23)

1 John 1:9 promises “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” He wants to cleanse us, but His cleansing doesn’t mean everything can be like before if we mess up. Something like drinking and driving can kill someone. Even if nobody is hurt, it can bring someone down or destroy a career or reputation. It’s best to confess right away and not let things get out of control by making sin worse, though. Some recall me praising my friend Chuck Barnes. He was with kids he knew, though I didn’t, at age 17. He grabbed the keys from the driver of the car they were in. He drove them home, then walked home from that friend’s, rather than let that friend drive impaired. He stood for truth even though he was inconvenienced and may have lost that so-called friend.

Lastly, thanks to those who stood in the breach praying for Sal & the church Sunday the 14th into early the 15th - as I say, if you wake in the middle of the night, as God what to pray for. Important things were discussed after spiritual battles. We don’t need to know who; let God reward when you do things like pray in secret. It’s okay to tell the truth if asked, but don’t boast – let others praise you.