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February 2, 2024 | Daily Devotionals | February 2

Truth Like a Lion

 

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  2 Corinthians 4:6-7

 

We all know people who seem to have way too much time on their hands. You know, folks who are critical of almost everything. Naysayers. Dubunkers. (If you doubt me, check out NextDoor.) If you don’t quote something perfectly, there’s always someone to point out your error. I suppose that’s fair and good, and keeps us honest. For example, there’s a quote floating around that is misattributed to St. Augustine of Hippo: “The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.”

 

Turns out that the gist of the quote is actually from Charles Spurgeon who said, “Let the pure Gospel go forth in all its lion––like majesty and it will soon clear its own way and ease itself of its adversaries.” And though one quote is misattributed, both speak excellence: the truth of the Gospel always wins. It always dispels the lies and darkness. John 1:15 sums it up: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

 

God’s man nurtures truths and dispels lies. He confronts lies—in whatever form they show up—at every turn. But there’s more to it than that. Telling truths without love is just legalism. Jesus wasn’t legalistic, and arguably He saved His strongest anger for the Pharisees. Without the direction of the Holy Spirit and consistent time in His Word, we jump the tracks into legalism. Have you ever noticed that no one thinks they’re wrong when they’re angry? Anger and bitterness are key tools the devil uses to entice us out of love and into legalism. 

 

It’s not difficult to be thoughtful; pause before answering in anger (counting to 10 is a thing; it works). Consider the other person’s point of view before responding. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Stay connected with your brothers.

 

Pursue the truth like a lion, but don’t use it to rip people to shreds.

 

Father, extinguish my anger with the living water You bring. Elevate my passion to be good rather than to be right.  

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