I WOULD BE TRUE!

I WOULD BE TRUE!

Acts 11:22-24

[The church at Jerusalem] sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

           In 1906 Howard A Walter wrote a hymn. It is long so I will only quote the first stanza. It is my morning motivation.

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

           Word comes this morning of a pastor that I know who has drifted further into heresy. His defection began small but has continued to grow as heresy always does. Bitter controversy now swirls around him. It is sad.

           Barnabas was dispatched from Jerusalem to Antioch to be an encouragement. One has to wonder what Barnabas thought of himself but there is no confusion as to what others thought of him. “He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and faith.” He reflected the light of Jesus within him. The result is that “much people were added unto the Lord.”

           Your defection from the truth draws others away. Your faithfulness, no matter how hard it is to maintain, bolsters the faith of others. Be true! Be pure! Be strong! Be brave! Others are watching you and copying your behavior.

Dear Lord, I would be true today for there are those who trust me. AMEN