I try to be careful. Well, except when I back up my truck. I seem to bump things when I back up. But, generally, I try to be careful. I want to be kind. I do not desire to offend people. I do sometimes, out of ignorance, but I want to be a positive representation of Jesus and influence in people’s lives.
The political season seems to be ever-present, and today it is hard to be a public figure and not offend some party, person, or group. To be in the business of public relations today has to be like walking through a minefield.
Add to this, it is hard to find someone who is genuine. Everybody is pretending. We worry deeply about what people will think. The only time we see the “real” someone is when they are mad.
This is why I love Jesus. No pretense. No public relations management. Just Jesus. Just clear. Just truth.
Jesus puts things clearly on the table. In fact, many people who would claim to be Christians would never be as clear as Jesus because it would offend.
Jesus says so many clear things. John 8:47 states, “He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason, you do not have them, because you are not of God.” Earlier He said, “I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.” Jesus was tough on the religious leaders. Jesus calls us to slave-like following and obedience.
He was not worried about offending people. He was worried about telling them the truth. Because hard truth, clear truth, would set people free from their sins. But non-offensive statements simply assure people in the current path of bondage to their will.
Today, we as Christians are trying to offer a blend and such a compromise between heaven and hell. Some pastors and churches feel that this is the way to get along with people and to improve the church’s public relations.
Jesus would have flunked public relations. But He did lovingly and clearly tell the truth. Truth is not always easy to tell or to hear, but the truth is vital if we are to help people. I want my doctor to tell me the truth. Then I can treat my problem or change my life’s health habits. If he tells me what is comfortable to hear, I may have a lesser quality of life and a shorter life.
As one who knows that the only truth there is in the Bible, I want to read it, know it, and try to live it. And I would that everyone knows this truth, too. It may be hard to swallow and seem offensive but read the Bible. Learn it from someone who has studied it. It will become a welcome truth.
Pastor Rick Goertzen
Countryside Bible Church – Hampton
