Come Up Higher

When we choose to steadfastly stand for truth, like it or not, we'll be consequently marked. Others will take notice and just like Jesus, we will either be loved or hated. However, standing for truth can't be done by just intectually knowing the truth and by the power of the will. The Truth (who is Jesus) has to do its work in our hearts first. This is the truth: the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). How's that for the self-esteem? A good tree bears good fruit, Jesus said. No one is good but God. A heart is good only when it is changed by God and filled with the Holy Spirit. Then and only then will truly good fruit come forth. Subsequently whatever the person does is just an expression of the in-working of Jesus Christ in him. Elsewhere in scripture it is said, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is [unconditional] love....

The truth has its enemies. Now who among us is able to love his enemy? or pray for those who persecute, hate or spitefully use him? Who can love unconditionally? Who can boldly and consistently proclaim and stand for the truth with unconditional love? The natural man can't do that. He'll just bring condemnation to the enemies of truth. Only the man whose heart is changed and empowered by God can. He'll boldly call sin a sin. "Murder" for what others may call "a choice." "Sexual immorality" for what may be known as "alternative lifestyle." He will be hated, called names. Nonetheless, he remains steadfast in love. Even in death he'll be able to say, "Father, forgive them..."