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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Beating Around the Bush
When it comes to telling the truth about some one or some thing, there is no question but that truth is the only way to go. Lying, deception and such violate every ethical code presented in the Bible. Truth. Always!
There are times when truth is neither palatable nor pleasant. There are times to be tactful and gentle, but lying will never be the way of escape from the truth. On the political scene, some are masters at avoiding any question put to them by the media. They are often so good at it that the interviewer doesn’t realize until later that the question he/she asked was never answered.
Jesus faced some difficult issues, but He did not resort to “beating around the bush,” or avoiding the question. For example, He was teaching in the Temple area when a mob of people interrupted His lesson by dragging a woman before Him. They promptly began to quiz Jesus about what should be done with this woman who was guilty of adultery. The text says their purpose was not honest inquiry, but rather a means of their “tempting him,” John 8:6. It appeared that no matter how He answered them it could be used against Him.
This would seem the perfect time to “beat around the bush” by answering evasively or putting a question to them. Instead, He told them that they must follow God’s law regarding witnesses, etc. Instead of placing Jesus in a dilemma, they were embarrassed and turned away into the crowded city. Jesus was honest. They were not.
When an honest question is asked of us, we have an obligation to give an honest answer. If a biblical matter is under consideration we should give a biblical answer. In 1 Peter 3:15 we are instructed to “be ready” to do so, and we must be willing to “go out on a limb” at times to give a truthful answer to those honest questions.
In a 1952 press conference a congressional candidate was asked his opinion about alcoholic beverages. Under the circumstances, he did not know whether the audience approved of alcoholic or not, so he was not sure what kind of answer would benefit his campaign. He proceeded with the following murky answer:
- If you mean, sir, the devil’s brew that causes an untold number of auto accidents each year which kill and maim thousands, that costs the American public billions through loss of work, that causes wives to leave their husbands, men to lose their jobs, self-respect and dignity, then I, sir, am against it with all my being!
The audience was strangely quiet, giving no indication of approval or disapproval, so he continued:
- But, if you mean the bottled spirits that give men temporary relief from the cares of the world, ease the aches and pains of the aged, put the bounce in an old gentleman’s step, provide work for thousands of farmers, distillers, shippers and storekeepers, that brings in millions in taxes and helps pay for defense, educating our precious children, and many other vital things, then I, sir, am for it.
That, my friends, is beating around the bush, dodging the issue, ignoring the facts, hedging your bets, shirking your duty, side-stepping the truth, ducking the question, steering clear of an obligation, hanging a curve and splitting an infinitive. In other words—well, you name it. But, whatever you call it, it’s not the truth.
How should we respond when we are asked, “Why do you folk think it’s wrong to have music in the church?” Of course we do have music! Shouldn’t we be prepared, having thought through some of those issues to have a “ready answer,” making it clear that we follow the Bible, not our own preferences. If we are put on the spot with a question, can we not be kind in our response, yet make it clear that it does make a difference what people believe? Are we so afraid of an argument that we fail to tell people the truth?
What about some of those rumors that go around about New Testament Christians: “They don’t believe in the Old Testament.” Or, “They believe in water salvation”? How about “They believe everything in the Bible is literal”? Can you respond to these matters tactfully, yet give an answer that reflects your true convictions? Or do you cave in to pressure when put in an uncomfortable situation?
Let us all be prepared and willing to answer any question our friends might ask us. That’s the way it ought to be—must be.
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“Have I then become your enemy because I tell you the truth?”
“Hateful to me, as are the gates of hell, is he who, hiding one thing in the heart, utters another.”
“He that once deceives is ever suspected.”
“We are responsible not only for the lies we speak but for the truths we fail to speak.”
“Some of us would rather see our friends and family go to hell in a good humor than teach them the truth.”
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"NIMBY"
(Not In My BackYard)
Recently, Utah Power & Light Company proposed construction of a new high-line to carry much needed electricity across that state. Local residents within sight of the newly proposed routes rose up in unison saying, "Not in my backyard!"
Northwest Pipeline announced plans to lay a large conduit in from Wyoming across Utah to California to transport essential natural gas. Local populace within sight of the proposed route became vocal in expressing their objection to the product saying, "Not in my backyard!"
Local fathers along the Wasatch Front had proposed a site4 for a new garbage disposal location. They were met by an army of local citizens saying, "Not in my backyard," even though the site was four point three miles away, behind several low laying hills.
As public citizens we cry for the stiffening of prison sentences, the locking up of the criminals, yet when prison sites are located, all too often the town folks cry out, "Not in my backyard!"
The behavior pattern had become known as the "Nimby" syndrome - NOT IN MY BACKYARD. It is a growing phenomenon across our nation, and it has even invaded the church. A preacher friend tells of a woman telephoning him and speaking of her dissatisfaction with the program of the church. He invited her to the office to discuss the problem with him. She accepted the invitation and brought to his attention several things that were sorely needed, that should be done, and she offered several suggestions to improve the work of the church.
The preacher gratefully acknowledged the wisdom of her ideas, and he agreed the work of the church would indeed be improved by the implementation of some of her very well thought-out recommendations. He then said, "This is wonderful that you are so concerned and interested in helping the church to be more effective. There are several of these programs that you could handle. If you will head them up, I think the elders would support you 100%." Her answer was, "Oh, no! I don't have the time! I've got too many other personal obligations right now. But I will be glad to advise you at any time."
That's the problem that most congregations are facing. We've got more advisors than Carter has little Liver Pills, but we've got very few that are willing to do the work.
"Not in my backyard" seems to be the cry of the church. We want it done. We just want someone else to do it. The NIMBY Club seems to be growing larger every day. James said, "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only," James 1:22. We need those that are interested to step back and honestly evaluate what they are willing to do, not just say. And may God help us in our decisions
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