Being Afraid to Speak the Truth

If I am afraid to speak the truth lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand", or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.  ~Amy Carmichael

If we are:

...afraid to speak the truth
...afraid of what someone will think of us
...afraid of what might happen as a result of speaking truth
...afraid of being misunderstood
...afraid of losing our reputation or having someone sour our name

If we fear all of that and we place ourselves - our comfort and security - ahead of another person's highest good, then we are not trusting, not believing, not resting in the love of Jesus and we certainly have not esteemed Christ in His rightful place.

Here's the thing - in our flesh it is easier to fear, than it is to think of someone else.  However, this is a false "Easy Button."   It may seem easier to explain away and excuse ourselves from doing the hard things that Christ calls us to as wives, mothers, sisters and friends, but in reality we are choosing a lesser and much harder road to travel.  We are choosing to be deceived.

We either spend our energy in fear and hiding, or we spend our energy in positive action for Christ.  The first reaps consequences.  The second reaps blessing.

We are given the choice. 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."                                                                                                              ~ Philippians 4:6-9

I confess, I've trusted myself and walked in fear at times and at other times I've trusted God and obeyed, even if I was afraid. Trust me, believing and following God, no matter what, is the best way to go.

                                                                                                               
Grateful for grace,