Inconvenient Truth

Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

Titus 2:8 (NLT)

In 2006, former Vice President, Al Gore, released a documentary film called An Inconvenient Truth which sent shockwaves throughout the world. The film focused on the massive impact that humans were having on earth’s climate and that if radical changes weren’t made immediately to the way we humans live, the planet would rapidly deteriorate into an unlivable ball of dirt. Essentially, the film claimed that we were destroying the planet. Now, I’m not here to argue whether or not the film actually is scientifically accurate or not. You can do your own research and decide. Here’s what I’m saying. This information caused people around the world to pause and take a look at how we impact the earth.

The documentary title was chosen because people often times don’t like to hear about things which will force them to change their habits. It’s inconvenient, for example, to ditch that massive V-12 gas guzzling exhaust-spewing truck for a small two-door electric vehicle which runs on solar power (It doesn’t exist yet, but bear with me). Not only is there a ton of cost involved in making the switch, but a lifestyle change will need to be made. (Ever go off-roading in a Prius?) In short, the documentary claims everything everywhere will need to change.

In our Christian message, sometimes we tend to not want to talk about the inconvenient truths that are contained in Scripture – or we tend to ignore them. Why? Because they will require us to change how we behave and think. It will cause us an inconvenience. And yet, we’re called to teach, learn, and apply every piece of truth from God. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized.” In other words, we don’t need to water down God’s message to us. It contains some hard truth. But, it is still truth. And, unlike slick documentaries put out by celebrities, we can rest assured that what God tells us is 100% accurate. He has no agenda. He only wants the best for each one of us.

So, today, and every day, get into the Scriptures. Let them teach you truth about who God is and who He calls us to be. Don’t gloss over the inconvenient truths. Instead, embrace them, pray about them, and investigate your life to see if you’re living them.