Being a savior or a traitor…which one do you choose?

Probing Proverbs 14:25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. 

What is presented here is much deeper than on the surface. Most times, when we ponder the idea of lying, we see it as an overt and deliberate act. 

We need to climb up on the top of this mountain we call “Truth” and see it is very complicated, deep, and requires an honest look in the mirror of our soul. 

When our “lie” is a deliberate act, we know it! However, if we desire to be as described here as a witness that “saves” lives, it is essential that we realize what Jeremiah states concerning the condition of the human heart:

Jer. 17:9 “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?

Knowing this should arm us to be vigilant in seeking the Truth in ourselves. 

Understanding the power of our life and words should not make us frightened; on the contrary, it should excite us that God Himself has allowed anyone that desires to seek Truth to experience the gift of “saving” someone! 

The “saving” is not speaking only about an eternal Salvation, though that is the most exciting and exhilarating experience! When we share the Truth of God’s love and offer of forgiveness and witness a fallen human, like ourselves, realize this Truth and step over the line of death to life!

Still, this “saving” may be helping someone cope with a complex reality, comforting someone in grief, or challenging someone in love concerning how they are living.

If we are open to it, the Holy Spirit can open our eyes to when we become a “false witness,” which can happen for a myriad of reasons. Personal agendas, fear of exposer, embarrassment, or even “sloppy” speak. 

Consider the “Good News”. How much damage has been done because we betray the whole truth and focus only on one aspect? Some believe God is a monster that loves tossing humans in hell, while others think that God will send all to heaven because He is love. 

God desires all to live with Him in heaven, yet has extended that choice to us, which is the proof of genuine love. To share only one side of Truth does make us a “traitor” in this sense, Truth is essential to real life in every way, and if we deliberately hide any of it or allow ourselves to be manipulated in any form, including laziness in our own understanding of it, we betray the individuals God brought into our lives to share His love and Truth with.

I have found that transparency is the best way to be as honest as possible. When we drop the protective walls that we all have, when we choose to use even our failures as a way to help others, God takes that witness and uses it to deliver (save) others. Deliver them from lack of faith or falling into the same sin we struggled with. Deliver them from the loss of hope when they see that we are just like them, yet because we embraced God’s Truth, He has lifted us up and placed into our heart His Hope which no sin or demon can stop!

Also, the other key is to move to the reality that all God does for us is not only for us! He does these things because that is Who He is, He loves to share Himself with His creation! He also desires and plans for us to take what He has accomplished in us and take that Hope and living water to souls that are dying of thirst, trying to take away their thirst through their own strength.

The So What: Are you committed to Truth? Will you allow the Holy Spirit to express that Truth through you, no matter the cost? Do you desire to experience “saving” someone in trouble? Let God use you!