Mary and I began
collecting some of the works of Jim Gray many years ago. The watercolor pictured
here is titled “Winter Sunset.” We have a signed and numbered print framed and
hanging in our living room. It is a lovely work of the Smokies in winter. Since
returning to Texas a few years ago, having lived in both North Carolina and
Tennessee, I’ve been reminded that colder weather really doesn’t suit me. In
both North Carolina and Tennessee we had plenty of “winter.” In our part of
Texas, wintry days rarely persist. Unfortunately, this is one of those wintry
days that feels like it might persist for a bit. It is cooler than I like
outside and that, as much as anything may have prompted me to sit down and
write a few words.
Before
I get too deeply into the subject matter that comes to mind, I must say it is
not intended as an exposé or persuasive argument in the context of our present
political landscape. It is as the title suggests… merely random thoughts on a
cool afternoon. I do hope you will read on a bit and let the thoughts rattle around
a bit in your mind. Perhaps it may inspire and encourage you in “the good
fight.” Oh, one other thing, it should not be taken as an invitation for
debate. That’s not because I believe I am absolutely right. It is more that I
recognize it is merely an opinion. You know… opinions are like noses. We all
have one, and rarely does anyone want someone else’s!
If you’ve
known me for very long, you know that I follow a reformed theology. You may
have read me quoting from various catechisms. One of my favorites is the Heidelberg
Catechism, mostly for its Christ-centered comfort. It is certainly very challenging.
One of those places of challenge is found in its explanation of the ninth
commandment. You may remember that commandment simply states: You shall not bear false witness
against your neighbor (Exodus 20:16 ESV). Most of the time we think of it
as a prohibition against lying, but the Catechism rightly sees it as
much more. In fact, when I read the specifics of Question/Answer 112 there are nine
things we are encouraged to do in obedience to the ninth commandment. They
include false testimony, twisting another’s words, gossip, slander, condemning
another without a hearing, or deceit of any kind. It also encourages us to be
lover’s of the truth, candidly speaking truth, and guarding my neighbor’s good
name.
If
you are like me after reading it, you stand convicted. I don’t want to be like
that, but if I’m honest, I can be. In our digital age of instant analysis and
perpetual outrage, I’m certain that we have all breached the ninth commandment.
It is one of our besetting sins and cannot bring glory to our Lord.
We
should tolerate it in ourselves or those who serve us. Theodore Roosevelt said
it this way: “We cannot afford to differ on the question of honesty if we
expect our republic permanently to endure. Honesty is not so much a credit as
an absolute prerequisite to efficient service to the public. Unless a man is
honest, we have no right to keep him in public life; it matters not how
brilliant his capacity. No community is healthy where it is ever necessary to
distinguish one politician among his fellows because he is honest.”
I’m
sure there are very few who will disagree with this statement in the abstract,
yet in practice we see a very different view. It is, of course, not enough that
all of us be honest. No amount of honesty will avail if we are not courageous
and wise in the face of so much division and hatred. We need absolute honesty
in public life; and we shall not get it until we remember that truth-telling
must go hand in hand with grace-giving. At least one of the things this means
in our practical lives is that it is quite as important not to tell an untruth
about a decent man as it is to tell the truth about ourselves.
As
I said… random thoughts. I pray they will give you pause to ponder your actions
as it does me. God bless!
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