SPEAKING FREELY

365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 103

Let’s be real: I’m not exactly known for holding my tongue, and today there is absolutely no masking what I’m thankful for. Simply stated, it’s our God-given right to speak freely. Now, I know some folks love to split hairs and argue that it’s a legal right, not a "God-given" one. Maybe that’s a debate for a different day, but here’s what I know: regardless of what any government says, our tongues are like swords we’ve been given the power to wield. Solomon, the wisest man to ever pull up a chair, wrote:

“Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:17–19).

Those three little verses lay it all out. We have the freedom to say what is on our hearts—no matter the consequence. Truth has staying power; lies are just a flash in the pan.

Today, like I do every Friday, I spent my time etching out the sermon for Sunday morning. Barring the "highly anticipated" (but totally undesired) blizzard that’s looking to sock us in, I’ll be preaching that message live. While plowing through John’s Gospel, I was struck by the man at the center of the story who, when grilled by the authorities, unabashedly spoke his mind. He didn’t blink. And Jesus? He spoke the truth in love without a hint of fear, as He always did. The men asking the questions hated the answers, but the man didn't care. When they pushed him, he let ‘em have it.

Honestly? We need a lot more of that today. Where are all the Christians who are supposed to be living in the mold of our Savior?

Jesus didn't seem to give a rip about the "repercussions" of speaking freely. Sure, the religious elites eventually found a way to silence Him—at least for three days. But they clearly didn't believe He’d actually do what He said and rise from the grave. I would’ve loved to be a fly on the wall in the High Priest’s office or Pilate’s quarters that Sunday morning when the news broke. How do you silence a man who just beat death?

The gospels don’t say if they even tried. Instead, they went after His followers. But that didn't work either. They spoke freely, they spoke boldly, and because of their grit, the message spread like wildfire.

Now, you might be wondering why I’m bringing this up tonight. Lately, I’ve become a bit more fearless about saying what needs to be said. I see others I respect doing the same. Normally, I keep my political beliefs out of the pulpit—but technically, I’m not in the pulpit right now. This is my forum.

As a conservative, I am becoming increasingly worried about where this nation is headed. I’ve been asking, louder and louder: Why are we waging war against Iran? What purpose is this serving? I’ve been asking God for His will, but I’m not hearing a response. Maybe I’m not listening well enough, or maybe God isn't saying because it’s a man-made mess. I pray for His will, but I wonder if "Kingdom advice" was ever sought before these decisions were made.I’m worried this is spiraling out of control.

I’m worried our leadership is being manipulated for the sake of other nation-states. Having been in war myself, I know it’s a beast that can’t be easily tamed once it's let off the leash. I’m worried for our sons and daughters, for the innocent lives being taken, and for the way this is sucking in the rest of the world.

There are people in power—and plenty of pundits and paupers—who don't like these questions. They say, “How dare you ask? Sit down and shut up.” But when I look at Scripture and the history of humanity, the only people who try to silence free speech are the ones who are terrified of losing their power.

This message was on the tip of my tongue the other day, and I came within a hillbilly’s hair of writing this then. But tonight feels right. I am thankful for God’s gift to humanity—and specifically to us in the U.S.—to speak freely.

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Be like Jesus. Speak truthfully, speak publicly, and do it in love!