Be Honest!

Devotional, May 11, 2012“Jehu went into the house of Baal with Jehonadab the son of Rechab; and he said to the worshipers of Baal, ‘Search and see that there is here with you none of the servants of the Lord, but only the worshipers of Baal.’” (2 Kings 10:23, NASB95)Jehu, King of Israel, had taken the throne by a coup against Jehoram, son of the wicked King Ahab, for whom Jehu had served as military chief.  Having heard the word of Elijah that all of the house of Ahab would perish by the sword, Jehu determined to become the instrument of God’s wrath.King Jehu then gave a false proclamation of his own faith, saying, “Ahab served Baal a little; Jehu will serve him much” (2 Kings 10:18,NASB95) .  He proceeded to call together all the people of the land to give an offering to Baal during an elaborate time of worship.  It is here that the command was given to “Search and see that there is here with you none of the servants of the Lord, but only the worshipers of Baal.”  Not knowing that the entire event was cunning trickery, thinking they were being obedient to the King’s desires, no one stood to claim to be a servant of the Lord.  It was then that Jehu, who hated Baal worship, had the entire congregation slaughtered.Beware trying to give the answer you think someone wants.  If you do so, you likely will end up in a trap custom made just for you!  Far better to say what you mean and mean what you say.  If the answer you give does not satisfy the one questioning, then you have an opportunity to defend your position and possibly persuade others.  If, however, you just gave the answer to tickle their ears, you may have to defend yourself against dishonesty—a much harder defense.Make it your habit to state your true position.  It may save your life!In His Grace,Dr. Randy White