Daily Jewel

By Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Truth Will Out” “…he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9b (NIV)

I came across a statement a few weeks ago that has been imprinted in my mind ever since and I figured a time would eventually come when I would use it in one of the Jewels—I realize that time is now. It goes like this: “It is easier to cast stones than it is to retrieve them.”
This idiom has a host of implications and can be used to represent any number of truths and concepts but one that I found the most appealing and powerful have to do with that of Responsibility!
Consider where we have been over the past few days (and messages) and this really comes into focus. First, our actions (or lack of them) speaks volumes about our character, work ethic, and can and does have bearing on whether we are prosperous or poverty-stricken. And I caution everyone to not equate wealth with prosperity. A prosperous person is not always a wealthy one—it is someone who has what they need and then some. Poverty, on the other hand is used to describe those who have absolutely nothing (and I do mean NOTHING!) and are unable to meet even their daily needs of food and/or water. They must rely upon others for the very essentials of life. Anyone reading this is probably not in this position at this time! Second, our words carry as much, maybe even more significance than our actions. I’ve used this phrase on several occasions and certainly applies here: “Words mean things!” Words can lift up or destroy. Words can lead an army into battle—or bring a nation to its knees. Words, whether spoken or written are the most powerful weapon we have. They also have a lot to do with integrity! In the 1980’s when email became a popular tool, there was one circulating claiming that the Proctor and Gamble company logo was “cultic.” In the text of the message was the assertion that the president of the company was a member of the Church of Satan, and that proceeds of the company was used to fund the church. I remember receiving one of those emails! I remember that after reading it we went to our cupboards looking for any and every P & G product, looking for the logo. For at three weeks we attempted to boycott the company, believing this claim to be true! As a result of that email (and our own actions), P & G’s profits declined significantly. The claims were deemed false and were eventually linked to a couple of individuals representing Amway. P & G sued Amway and lost, but eventually won a settlement against the individuals. The individuals sending out that message were walking a “crooked path,” and impugned upon the reputation of a company. That is not to say that P & G walks an absolute straight path because I can neither confirm nor deny how they practice their business. If they, or any other business or corporation walks a crooked path, it would be my hope that like these individuals they would have to reap the punishments of their actions/words.
I have two suggestions for us to consider here. One, if ever you should receive a message of any sort that attacks a person’s or company’s character, be it through email, Twitter, Facebook or even the good old fashioned mail, handle that information with extreme care! Not every source is reputable or unbiased. The term, “Free-Speech” does not give anyone the liberty to spread information that is misleading and/or false.
Second, before forwarding that information on to those on your “friend list” or posting it on your page (for you facebook fanatics) have you verified that the information you are posting is true? Or, is there a motive behind the information being sent. My philosophy is that if the information is indeed true and verifiable, the results will speak for themselves. Keep in mind the phrase from the Shakespearean play, The Merchant of Venice: “Truth will out!”
You’ve no doubt heard the phrase, “you may be the only Jesus some will ever see.” There is something to be said regarding that. Consider it in another capacity: “The path you take may be the one someone will need to follow to find the truth.” Be careful how you walk. You never know where it will lead someone!
Pastor J. T. Carnell