Beech Tree News Network

            I am sure we are familiar with this term. Sometimes, when people talk, they speak in a vague way. Some try to spare our feelings about certain issues and will not speak plainly. Thus, we may tell folks to “tell it like it is” and stop trying to spare our feelings. It is necessary that we say things plainly and understandably, especially in a situation where souls are at stake.

            Such frankness can be refreshing when we want to hear the plain and simple truth. As we read the Bible, we find the prophets (II Sam. 12:7), the apostles (Acts 5:29), and Jesus Christ Himself (Lk. 13:3, 5) stating the truth in plain and straightforward language. In the Bible, we find many telling it “like it is” so that folks listening can understand God’s will (II Cor. 3:12). It does not help anyone if we “sugarcoat” the truth.

            Paul told Timothy to preach the word “in season and out of season” (II Tim. 4:2). This means to tell folks the truth when it is accepted and when it is not. Such preaching is telling it “like it is.” Folks in sin need to understand that they are in sin so they can repent (Acts 17:30). Folks who are righteous need to be encouraged so they will continue obeying God when it is hard to do (Gal. 6:9). Folks need to be reminded in plain words to let their light shine in the midst of a “crooked and perverse nation” (Matt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15).

            II Timothy 4 records sorrowful words. Paul told Timothy that some would not listen to the truth. They do not want to be told things “like it is.” Instead, they look for teachers who will scratch their ears instead of correct their errors (II Tim. 4:3-4). This attitude is similar to what Isaiah faced. The people told Isaiah, “Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (Isa. 30:10). They did not want Isaiah to “tell it like it is.” They demanded lies and “smooth things,” said. Do we know anyone making such demands of our preachers and teachers today? God called those folks rebels for so doing in the Old Testament. I wonder what He thinks of folks making similar demands today (Rom. 15:4; I Cor. 10:11)? When this happens today, men are jeopardizing their souls, and will not hear, see, nor understand (Isa. 6:9-10; Acts 28:25-27).

            A word of caution: Remember that “telling it like it is” is not a license to be rude or give someone a “tongue-lashing.” Sadly, some have allowed their anger to get the best of them and have violated Ephesians 4:26-27. Sometimes, people will justify rudeness and angry words by saying, “I am just telling it like it is.” No, they are not! Someone who speaks hurtful things is allowing his tongue to get out of control. Not controlling our tongue is a sin. Lack of control in our speech makes our religion vain (Jas. 1:26)! Let us not be guilty of speaking out in anger and calling this “telling it like it is.” This is not what this is!

            We are not to be rude and unkind but be motivated by a love for souls (Eph. 4:15; I Cor. 13:1-3). Plain speech is necessary and wonderful when we speak as the Lord wants us to speak (Col. 4:6; I Pet. 4:11).

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167