I realize that the subject matter at times that I am led to write about in these Letters of Truth is not what many want to read, they cut at times too close to the bone, they reveal open sores, they expose to some truths about themselves that they would rather not face.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)
That sword either convicts or destroys, and you must realize this truth, conviction brings with it a form of rebellion, it carries with it moments of despair, the truth of the knowledge that within our flesh, our old sinful nature, we are both enticed and detested by our desires outside of the Word and will of God for us.
Most people, my friends, do not want to look at themselves in this regard.
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:18)
And in many of these letters I am led to reveal these truths.
Pieces of the habits we thought were broken returning, imaginations of the mind repented of, but that will not stay buried, attitudes not conducive to one who is born again, repented of, but which will not stay dead.
No one wants to read about how vile and wicked, how detestable their flesh is, they want to hear of the love of Christ for us, of His mercy and forgiveness, of the heavenly home awaiting them. They want to be made to feel good about themselves, that the Almighty understands our faults and failures, and thereby excuses them without chastisement. They are as my mother was when the vehicle she owned started to make a noise that sounded bad, simply turn up the radio and ignore it. Or as my own lovely wife has said more than once to me, of being tired of the corrections I offer. Even when they are offered in love.
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24)
It was quite easy for our adversary to move civilization to this point of enabling sin, of never correcting, reproving or rebuking, simply have those who attempt to do so be forced to look into the mirror of their own heart, and make them to feel guilt.
These truths that I am led to write about must be sprinkled with encouragement at times, I am well aware of that and gladly pen those words of encouragement when I am led to, but continuous encouragement will not lead to repentance, but instead into a false sense of security, into enablement. And in these days that we find ourselves in those words of truth, “Thus saith the Lord” must by default cause us to look at ourselves first.
I did not choose this calling, it was chosen for me, and if I did not look within myself first, I would be a hypocrite to pen these words. But too much correction can be as unprofitable as too much encouragement, for if we continuously stare into that part of us that will be removed when we are glorified, depression will arrive, and no words of encouragement will pull that person who chooses to remain there out of that pit.
Sinners, yes. Saved by grace through faith, yes.
I bring the opportunity to you to enter into this battle, that is all I really do. But you do not have to, it is your choice. If you decide to pray for wisdom in these matters, here is what you will receive.
“For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” (Eccl. 1:18)
But this also arrives with this truth.
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:” (Isaiah 53:3a)
The choice, as always, is yours to make.
