The Truth in Our Hearts

For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our king; he will save us.
Isaiah 33:22
I recently read a very long letter written by a denominational leader who was leaving his post because of persecution from other leaders in the same body. They resented his criticism of alleged sexual abuse and racism in that church, and he found himself living with accusations and threats on a constant basis. In that letter he quoted the Apostle Paul, who said, "As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide" [1 Cor. 4:3-4 NLT].

It's always good to remember, whether we are dealing with criticism from friends, other church members, or the public at large, that it is God we must ultimately answer to. Using the wisdom given to us from God—whether directly or indirectly (through the scriptures)—we must arrive at a place where our lives have integrity, and where we realize that what we believe is not dependent on the opinions of those around us, but what we know in our hearts to be the truth.

He said to the disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”
 Luke 9:20
Prayer after thinking about today's devotion:
Lord, give me weak eyes for things which are of no account and clear eyes for all your truth.
 Søren Kierkegaard
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After your own thanksgivings & petitions, close with the Lord's Prayer.
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