Let's Hear It for Telling It Like It Is!

Herbert Armstrong used to love to quote the old axiom: "One convinced against his will is of the same opinion still!" In other words, folks are often predisposed to believe what they want to believe.

In similar fashion, we could say that most folks tend to act like water - following the path of least resistance. Let's face it - most of us don't like confrontation - don't like to "rock the boat." For Herbert Armstrong, however, folks had to hear "The Plain Truth." It might not be appreciated or liked, but folks had to hear the message that the things which they believed and held dear were just plain old WRONG!

Unfortunately, when it came to his own beliefs and message, Mr. Armstrong didn't like to be told that he was wrong! (And many of his followers are even more thin-skinned than he was.) He could readily see the fault in others, but he was oblivious to the same principle at operation in his own mind!

Now, the principle of "telling it like it is" is most assuredly a Biblical one. From the messages of the ancient prophets for Israel to Christ's confrontation of the religious leaders of his day, we can see this principle in action. Still, confronting sins and hypocrisy is never a pleasant or comfortable exercise - somebody is going to get their feelings hurt!

Nevertheless, we read in the second epistle to Timothy the following instructions and warnings about his messaging: "Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 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 whatever 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." (II Timothy 4:2-5)

Hence, while confronting falsehood and heresy may be extremely uncomfortable at times, Scripture informs us that it is an absolutely essential component of properly handling God's TRUTH. Let's face it, if you cannot answer the challenges of some individual, then it's probably time to reevaluate the thing that provoked the challenge! In other words, if there's a turd floating in the punch bowl, it's probably a good idea to call attention to the fact! (I wouldn't want to drink that punch - would you?)