Flawless by Design

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. (Song of Songs 4:7 NIV)

Have you been watching much reality television lately? The shows range from ugly ducklings to homely houses to unruly families. And if you dare sport an unsightly blemish or a glaring flaw, you had better believe you will soon be considered as a prime candidate for a makeover.

Goodness, it’s enough to give you the impression that God must be sitting up in Heaven, a larger-than-life 'Max Factor,' looking down at His creation with His head tilted and one eyebrow raised thinking, “You know, maybe they just need a little more blush to highlight those cheekbones or perhaps just a little tuck here and there. Better yet, let’s send them all to the day spa for the latest cellophane wrap and some sliced cucumbers for those puffy eyes.”

As a young woman, I used to work for a well-known cosmetic company, and one of the many perks of my job was performing makeovers on women. I especially enjoyed observing how ladies would transform Cinderella-like into glowing beauties, and how even their very demeanors would change once they caught their new image reflecting back in the mirror.

My dear old Aunt Alice, who lived in the country on a work farm and specialized in fried green tomatoes, used to always say, “A little fresh paint on the old barn never hurt anybody!”

I no longer work for the cosmetic industry, but I still perform makeovers every day—not necessarily the 'Revlon' kind, but rather the 'Beauty for Ashes' kind. God has privileged me to be an encourager of souls to those who may have lost their self-worth and somehow feel less then attractive because of a misplaced identity. God has by-passed our need for plastic surgery or the newest age-defying skin care products because when we become born-again, we are instantly transformed into a completely new creation! We are no longer in need of being 'made over' or polished up from a tarnished image.

To Him we are made complete and absolutely perfect, lacking nothing. In His eyes we are exquisite just as we are. Isn’t that reassuring in what can sometimes be a very superficial world? I am so thankful for His unconditional love and that He is head over heels in love with us … just as we are!

The famous hymn says it so well:

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee …
I come, I come.

—Charlotte Elliott, 'Just as I Am, Without One Plea'

Come to Him today and let Him give you a “makeover”. He longs to whisper in your ear, “All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you” (Song of Solomon 4:7). —Missey Butler

Bouncing Back

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. (Jeremiah 18:4 NKJ)

At the age of 22, Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first television job as co-anchor for weekday news on one of Baltimore’s stations because she was deemed “unfit for TV” after the show received low ratings. Winfrey called it the “first and worst failure of her TV career.” But she rebounded and became the undisputed queen of television talk shows before amassing a media empire, according to articles at BusinessInsider.com. 

Stories of failures to success fascinate many people, and we sometimes wish we are like the heroes of such stories. At the core of these stories, however, is the question all of us must answer, “Do we get back up stronger after we encounter setbacks?”

Not all of us are quick to recover from a setback. Some of us might find it too difficult to continue or call it quits. Of the many attributes rebounders are expected to have are the ability to accept failure, desire to take action, open mind for new ideas, ability to be comfortable with discomfort, and motivating passion, according to an article at USAToday.com.

The apostle Peter is a good example of someone who grew stronger after a setback. He was not perfect, but he did fairly well as a follower of Christ and fisher of men. After he denied Jesus three times, he was heartbroken and for a little while went back to be a fisherman. With the Lord’s forgiveness, he rebounded and turned his love for Jesus into a driving passion that got him all fired up for action. He found comfort in the Lord amid discomfort of trials and persecution, and was opened to receiving new ideas from the Lord, guided by the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:16-18; Luke 22:55-62; John 21:3, 15-19; Acts 10:13-20).

Are we like Peter or like those who find it difficult to get back on our feet after a failure? Are we fearful of more setbacks awaiting us? Do we easily give up or do we shine taking up new challenges? Are we growing stronger and wiser learning from our past mistakes?

As disciples of the Lord, we need to buildup and grow our bouncebackability, so we might not give up easily. We ought not to be surprised with failures or setbacks in life, for they are lessons we learn and accept along our journey moving forward. Like clay in the potter’s hands, let us allow God to mold us to become useful vessels for His purpose as we find comfort and joy amid discomfort during trials and difficult times. With fervent passion, let our minds open up to new ideas for action and pay close attention to the Holy Spirit who guides us, so as not to confine God to man’s ways or thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9; 64:8; Jeremiah 18:3-4; James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7).

Dear Lord, thank You for helping us grow our resilience to accepting setbacks and failures in life as part and parcel of lessons we need to learn in order to become stronger and move forward. Grant us the motivating passion to carry on amid discomfort or facing new challenges. Continue to mold us to become useful vessels for Your purpose as we open up to accept new ideas and changes.

Voted Off

Each man said to his mate, “Come, let us cast lots so we may learn on whose account this calamity has struck us.” So they cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. (Jonah 1:7 NAS)

When the corporation I worked for failed to reach its targeted revenue for the year, it was announced the CEO would be leaving because of personal reasons, although everyone knew he was voted off the island.

As employees, many of us are also vulnerable to be voted off whenever a business or corporation restructures or fails to perform well. Sometimes we might be selected for layoff because of ‘personal reasons’ like our lack of exceptional performance, and at times because we outperformed our superiors or specially valued peers.

When the sailors cast their lots to find out on whose account the storm struck them, the lot fell on Jonah. Jonah was eventually thrown overboard because he was endangering their lives by his disobedience to God (Jonah 1:7, 15).

Unlike Jonah, Jesus was voted off by the council to die for the whole nation because He outperformed the chief priests and the Pharisees by the many signs He did. Jesus eventually died on the cross to save us all because of His love for us and obedience to God (John 11:47-50; 19:30).

Are we like Jonah or like Jesus? Are we upset or unhappy because we have been voted off the island? Are we feeling bitter or unjustified because of layoffs for the wrong reasons, such as outperforming or unwittingly crossing someone? Is our disobedience endangering the lives of others?

While on the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Jesus did not for a moment feel bitter or unjustified for the wrong done to Him. He knew what was coming and willingly submitted Himself in obedience to God. Similarly, as disciples of our Lord, we should not be surprised by the ordeals we are going through. If we suffer because we are Christians, do not be ashamed, but praise God we bear His name. So the next time we encounter a door that is closed, rest assured another door will be opened. We need only to pray and wait (1 Peter 4:12, 16; Matthew 7:7; 1 John 5:14).

Dear Lord, help us to forgive those who insult or shame us. Keep us calm in spirit and give us Your peace amid the storm. Teach us to accept whatever comes our way, even when we are handpicked to leave what we have come to love. Move our hearts to obey You in all we do. We place our trust in You that when a door is closed, another will be opened. Grant us patience as we wait and pray.

No Greater Bestie

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 NAS)

When Lisa received the tragic news of her husband’s death in Iraq from his fellow military officers, her friend Diana was with her. The next morning, Diana took over to call Lisa's friends and family to tell them what happened. She shielded Lisa from media phone calls, drove to Dallas to pick up Lisa’s mother-in-law at the airport, babysat Lisa’s daughter, cooked, and cleaned Lisa's house. 

“I absolutely could not have functioned without Diana,” says Lisa. “I can't even fathom what that night would have been like without her. After George died, a lot of people treated me differently. I guess they didn't know how to act. But nothing changed between me and Diana.”

That was a true story shared at RedBookMag.com about the friendship and bond between Lisa Morrissey and Diana Stefaniak.

In the Gospel of John, a story was recorded of a similar friendship and bond. Jesus loved the siblings, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. So when He saw Mary weeping for her brother, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled. Jesus wept (John 11:5, 33, 35).

On another occasion, Jesus said to His disciples, “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

By this, the Lord declared His friendship with us—one that has no greater love than to lay down His life for His friends (John 15:15, 13). 

In a sense, this means Jesus is our bestie, our best of friends, because He gave up His all to save us, and we are friends of God because we abide in Him and He in us (1 John 4:13-14).

How should we then respond to such a friend as He? Do we spend time with our Lord to grow our friendship studying His word and praying regularly? Do we share our worries, sorrows, cares, sadness, happiness and joy with Him? Do we stand by our Friend no matter what happens? 

As friends of Jesus and of God, let us be found faithful to stand by our faith regardless the sorrows we face or the pains we endure following Him. Even if the world forsakes us or treats us differently because of our failures or misfortune, the Lord will not abandon us, for He does not change. If we have cares or worries, let us bring them to Him because He cares for us.

Who are we, dear Lord, that You count us worthy to be Your friend? You see our hearts and heal us where we need Your touch. You understand us deep down and never let us down. You love and care for us more than any best friend we know or have. You are always near to comfort us in our times of sadness and despair. Our worries and cares You have carried, and our sorrows You have turned into gladness. Mourning and sighing flee from us for You have turned them into joy and thanksgiving. Draw us close to You as we study Your word and pray, for we long to grow our friendship with You.

Letting Go of Grief

The king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 19:4 NAS)

She covered her face with her hands and cried, “Oh God, why must this happen? We just got back together and now he is gone!”

That was a scene from a script written for a drama television series. Not all of us might have experienced what it means to be grief-stricken to the point of having to do a facepalm, but surely many of us know what it feels like to grieve.

When Absalom died, his father King David covered his face and cried out, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Joab, the commander of David’s army, heard about the king’s weeping and mourning, and he went to see the king. Joab reproved the king for loving those who hate him and hating those who love him. For Absalom was far from being a model son and he had tried to kill his father, yet David loved him and grieved for him. By so doing, the victory that day was turned into mourning because the troops heard it said the king was grieved for his son. Joab told David that if he would not arise and speak kindly to those who delivered up the men who lifted their hands against the king, not a man will pass the night with him (2 Samuel 19:1-7).

Sometimes, weeping, mourning, and crying aloud are unavoidable, especially when we are grieving. Yet, amid it all, we need to think about those who love us and mourn with us, for they are concerned about our wellbeing too, and our grief might extend their pain. Loving those who hate us is absolutely nothing wrong, for our Lord has taught us to love our enemies and pray for them who curse, mistreat, hate or persecute us (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28). Beyond that, however, we should care for the living and for those who love and care for us.

Are we grieving excessively to the point of affecting the emotions of other people? Are we covering our face in our sorrow and turning away those who care for us? Do we love those who hate us while they are still living? Do we love those who love and care for us?

Grieving is understandable when we lost someone we loved. We need to after that rise from our sadness and do whatever is necessary to put to a close our sorrow and the sad chapter in our lives. Rather than dwell in sadness, continue to live our lives for Christ and walk faithful in God. If grief persists for an extended period of time, seek help and continue to pray. Wait in silence for God, forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead (Psalm 62:1; Philippians 3:13-14).

Dear Lord, help us not dwell in our sorrow and despair for too long but to quickly arise and look beyond to bless others and those who love and care for us. Comfort us in our grief and renew our minds to love those who hate us and pray for them who persecute us. Do not allow our grief affect the emotions of other people, but bless them for their love and care as we lay to rest the sad chapters in our lives and reach forward to what awaits.

Falsely Accused

Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. (Matthew 26:59 NAS)

Caitlin had always been happy at school with many friends. But when she was 9, Jenna, a classmate who was jealous of Caitlin's popularity, began waging a campaign to turn Caitlin's friends against her. Jenna took a girl’s purse and claimed Caitlin had stolen it. She falsely confided to another that Caitlin had been talking behind her back. Jenna convinced Caitlin's friends that Caitlin was a ‘loser’ because she was neither slim nor fashion-conscious. Consequently, they stopped inviting Caitlin to sleepovers. 

The story of Caitlin was told by Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer in her article ‘Surviving the Rumor Mill’ at Scholastic.com. Hartley said it is important not to underestimate the havoc reported rumors or gossip could wreak, especially those in their tween years—however unlikely, untrue or trivial they may seem. Fortunately for Caitlin, she was able to make new and more reliable friends.

“Tweens are trying to make their mark, and there is often a constant undercurrent of competition as they attempt to be top dog,” Hartley wrote. “It's no secret that children can be mean, especially those whose own painful experiences make them more inclined to strike out at others.”

The statement made by Hartley, in actuality, applies to people of all ages. During times of uncertainty, the gossip mill turns faster than ever in environments beyond the schools and campuses to workplaces, businesses and even within the church, often contributing to lower productivity and affecting relationships. 

When Jesus was seized and led to the high priest where the scribes and the elders were gathered, the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus so they could put Him to death. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they did not find any. Finally, two men came forward and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’ ” The high priest then said to Jesus, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” But Jesus kept silent (Matthew 26:57-64).

Keeping silent is a good way to respond when we are not ready or unable to defend ourselves. The word of God promises whatever is hidden will be revealed, so we need not fret but to take it in stride (Matthew 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 8:17; 12:2). Like Caitlin, we can make new and more reliable friends. 

Are we falsely accused by others for something we did not do or are we among those who talk behind people’s back and spread rumors or gossips about others? Do we make attempts when falsely accused to find out why our accuser is doing it? Could our accuser’s past or painful experiences be an opening for us to understand and help? Are we the accused or the accuser?

Talking behind people’s back so as to position ourselves above others or to hide our own misgivings is wrong. Spreading rumors and premeditating steps to mislead others are the ways of the devil, and we have been warned that by this the children of God and the children of the devil are differentiated. Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God and the one who practices sin is of the devil. Instead of going about revealing secrets or slandering others, therefore, let us stay clear from gossip and those who talk too much (1 John 3:8-10; Proverbs 20:19; Leviticus 19:16).

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes badmouthing the people we know or our competitors. Help us tame our tongue that we might not accuse others falsely but speak well of them in truth. Keep us calm when we are falsely accused so we might not fret but take in stride to put our complete trust in You. We know nothing concealed or untrue will not be revealed or hidden that will not be made known. So guide us when we face such situations to know when to remain silent and when to reach out. Keep us safe and grant us strength that in Your name we will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  

Flawed Decisions

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. (2 Samuel 12:13 NAS)

When Jürgen Schrempp, CEO of Daimler-Benz, led the merger of Chrysler and Daimler against internal opposition, he did not know nine years later, his decision would force Daimler to virtually give Chrysler away in a private equity deal. Steve Russell, chief executive of Boots drugstore chain, launched a healthcare strategy to differentiate the stores from competitors, but it turned out to offer little profit potential and contributed to Russell’s early departure from the top job. These executives were highly qualified for their jobs, yet they made decisions that soon seemed clearly wrong, according to a Harvard Business Review article by Andrew Campbell, Jo Whitehead, and Sydney Finkelsteinan at HBR.org.

“From our analysis of these cases, we concluded that flawed decisions start with errors of judgment made by influential individuals,” the article continued. “Hence we needed to understand how these errors of judgment occur.”

“We depend primarily on two hardwired processes for decision making. Our brains assess what’s going on using pattern recognition, and we react to that information—or ignore it—because of emotional tags that are stored in our memories. Both of these processes are normally reliable … But in certain circumstances, both can let us down.”

Flawed decisions made from poor judgment can lead to chaos or the rippling effect of blunders, which often carry serious consequences. When King David made the decision to covet Bathsheba and she conceived, he attempted to cover up his sin by bringing her husband, Uriah, back from the battlefield in the hope he would lie with his wife. When that failed, David had Uriah put to death by instruction to Joab to place Uriah in the frontline of the fiercest battle and withdraw from him so he might be struck down and die. The consequences David bore for his flawed decisions were the death of his son and the sword never departing from his house (2 Samuel 11:2-27; 12:10-18).

Making right decisions is never easy, but sometimes we can observe some telltale signs of potential problematic consequences with the help of pattern recognition. Depending on how we react to the information we have at hand or ignore it because of emotional tags, we would eventually have to make our own decisions. Nevertheless, no single decision made is foolproof or guarantees success, except when made according to the word of God.

In the case of Daimler-Benz, Schrempp chose to go ahead with his decision despite internal opposition. Russell, in the case of Boots, made his decision without sufficient knowledge of the market. King David, in his moment of weakness, made the decision to covet even though he knew it was wrong, and as a result displeased the LORD (2 Samuel 11:27; 12:9, 14).

Are we making decisions without considering the views of others? Have we studied enough to understand the needs of the market and the people around us to make informed decisions? Are we guilty of involving other people in our plot to cover up our flawed decisions? Do we know the word of God well enough to make the right decisions? Are we knowingly or subconsciously making wrong decisions because of emotional attachment?

Whether we have made the right or wrong decisions, we need to learn from our past and get on ahead. If we have sinned, let us like King David confess our sins to God, repent, and receive God’s forgiveness. Seek the will of God and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us when making decisions. Take the feedback and views of others into consideration. Do a thorough research before assessing what’s going on, and make informed decisions without emotional entanglements.   

Dear Lord, help us make the right decisions. Forgive us for the wrong decisions we made at times. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to know how to assess every situation, so we might not in our moments of weakness choose the wrong path or make a flawed decision because of emotional tags or attachment. Your will is what we seek to fulfill in every decision we make, for our desire and joy is to glorify Your holy name.

Disconnect to Connect

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NAS)

“Social media is great ... but there are times when social media can get in the way of the real world,” said the (voiceover) narrator in a video. “That's why we develop the social media guard. It takes the social out of the media and puts it back into your life.” 

A cone collar similar to Elizabethan collar or E-collar was next shown onscreen. With the guard worn around the necks, men and women were prevented from reading or viewing their electronic devices. Compelled to redirect their attention to the people around them, they made eye contact.

That was a video created by Coca-Cola for humor. In a sense, a cone collar guard might be a good way to help solve the problem of social media addiction and get people back to social interaction in the real world. However, for practical reasons, we wouldn’t wear such a guard just to disconnect to connect, unplug, and detox to avoid addiction or obsession. What we need is a solution that helps us break free from our dependency and regain control.

Too often, we have been guilty of spending too much time staying digitally connected, listening, reading, viewing, writing or updating  our various social network accounts. We woo people to like, follow, and join our social media pages, blogs and sites, and to add us as friends. We post videos, pictures and text to attract attention and to draw the crowd.

Spending time online is nothing wrong, but spending too much of our time online is. If we are neglecting or missing out the more important things in life because of time spent online, we need help. Whether we are using a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone or another device to connect to the Internet, we need to stamp down addiction or obsession. A good practice and alternative solution to the collar guard is to regularly take time off to eschew digital activity and use that time for more meaningful social interaction with our loved ones, friends and others.

Are we finding ourselves hooked for extended hours online? Are we oblivious to our surroundings at times when connected to the digital world? Do we feel restless without our smartphone or digital device in hand? If our answer to these questions is affirmative, it means it is time for us to go on a digital detox.

The Bible warns us not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so we might prove what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2). We may say we have the right to do anything, but we need to know not all things are beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23). Rather than give in to the desires of the eyes or of the flesh or to boastful pride of life, let us  submit ourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from us (1 John 2:16; James 4:7).

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes succumbing to the allures of this world in our desire to be known or to feel wanted. Help us make time to go on a detox regularly, so we might learn restrain and not become hooked, addicted or obsessed. We know by our own will and effort, we cannot overcome our boastful pride or the desires of the eyes or flesh, so we submit ourselves to You. Grant us Your strength that we might be overcomers and not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we might prove Your will is good, acceptable and perfect.

Wi-Fi Trivial

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, (Philippians 2:14-15 NAS)

My wife and I visited the Holy Land in December 2013. Among the first things we observed about the people in the group we were traveling with was whenever we arrived at the hotel, a number of them would immediately ask about the availability of Wi-Fi. Depending on the revelation, we would hear sighs of relief or disappointment. Thankfully, most of the hotels we stayed in had Wi-Fi. During the few days of snow storm, many of us depended on the Wi-Fi to help us pass the time. Not all the hotels we stayed in, however, had Wi-Fi in the rooms. When that happened, we would hear grumblings and on occasions observe some expressions of unhappiness. On a day when the Wi-Fi signal was weak, we would also hear conversations about the problem during dinnertime.

In an affluent society, we sometimes tend to take for granted what we have and complain about things that are trivial. We are unhappy when our laptop or computer hangs on us. We are unhappy when Wi-Fi is not available at a time we need it. We are unhappy when something we wish to purchase is sold out or taken off the shelf. We are unhappy to have to wait in line or for the traffic signal to turn green. We are unhappy our goals are taking longer to achieve than we expect. We are unhappy with many things and with people who keep us in check.

Some time ago, a charitable organization, Water is Life, featured in an ad campaign, Haitian children and adults reading the ‘complaints’ of first world problems.

“I hate it when my house is so big, I need two wireless routers,” said a man standing in front of a dilapidated house.

“I hate when I tell them no pickles, and they still give me pickles,” said a boy standing among pigs and chickens.

Nearing the end of the one-minute video entitled ‘First World Problems Anthem,’ a message in text was displayed: #FirstWorldProblems Are Not Problems.

Are we among those who grumble and complain about trivial problems, such as the inconveniences in life? Do we ever give some thought to the needs of the people around us or to those in the third world? Are we thankful and grateful for the things we have which God has given us?

The Bible urges us to give thanks in everything and in all circumstances be thankful to show gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 12:28). It also exhorts us to do all things without grumbling or arguing, so that we may prove ourselves blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Like the stars in the sky, we will then shine among them as we hold fast to the word of life and on the day of Christ have reason to rejoice because our toil is not in vain (Philippians 2:14-16).

Thank You, dear Lord, for meeting our many needs. Forgive us, Lord, for sometimes taking for granted what You have given us and for grumbling over trivial matters. Open our eyes, Lord, to see beyond our problems, the problems of others too and examine ourselves to know if we have been reasonable. Move our hearts, Lord, to love and care for those in need and to cheerfully give. Place within us, hearts that are willing to do all things without grumbling, complaining, disputing or arguing, Lord, so that we might be found blameless and innocent, above reproach in this crooked and perverse generation. Shine through us, Lord, that the world might see Your light and salvation as we hold fast to Your word of life and look forward to the day of Your return.

Words of Truth

The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. (Ecclesiastes 12:10 NAS)

Before writing an article, I usually spend a little time pondering on the topic and do a little research. I would google to find anecdotes and personal testimonies for inclusion in the article whenever possible to sustain my readers’ interest and hopefully keep them wanting more. Once in a while, some words I hardly use would come to mind and I would goggle to search out these words to see if they are suitable for the story I am writing.

Many writers providing editorial services know what it means to write on a topic we are unfamiliar with. We search the web to gather as much information as possible on the topic we are paid to write. Yet, frequently we encounter words, content, or terms we used which our customers or hirers deem incorrect, unnecessary, or not meeting their expectations.

In the Book of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher or Teacher was said to have pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs to impart knowledge to his people. He also sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10).

As Christians, we are in a sense like preachers and teachers, called to lead others in the truth. We are urged to do our best and be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as workmen who do not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. God’s word is truth, and we are to be sanctified by the truth and guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth (2 Timothy 2:15; John 17:17; 16:13).

Are we regularly studying the word of God to internalize God’s precepts and truths in our hearts? Are we doing our part to ponder and search out the words of truth in our teachings and writings to ensure they are correct? Are we diligently imparting knowledge of the truth and of Christ Jesus accurately? Are we sharing real personal stories of spiritual triumphs to engage people to want to know more about Christ? Are we paying attention to the Holy Spirit and letting Him guide us on the words to use? 

When we lead fellow believers or reach out to the yet unsaved, we need to be careful not to misrepresent God or His teachings. The Bible warns us that those who teach a different doctrine and do not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and of godly living are conceited and lack understanding. These are the people whose minds are corrupt, and they have been robbed of the truth in thinking godliness is a means to financial gain. Always examine everything carefully and search God’s word to verify the truth (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Acts 17:11).

Forgive us, dear Lord, for our occasional lapses in verifying the truth before leading our fellow believers or reaching out to others. Internalize Your word and precepts in our hearts, Lord, that we might not lack knowledge or understanding to presumptuously teach or write the wrong things. Sanctify us and grant us wisdom to accurately handle the word of truth as we ponder, search out, and arrange the content and words to use in our Christian writings and teachings. Your word is truth, O God, and we will hold fast to Your word and not be ashamed.