Face the Music
October 12, 2015
Psalm 86:11 “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth. Grant me purity of heart that I may honor you.”
Many years ago a man conned his way into the orchestra of the Emperor of China, although he could not play a note. Whenever they practiced or performed he would hold a flute against his lips and pretend to play and not make a sound. He received a modest salary and enjoyed a comfortable living. Then one day the Emperor requested a solo from each musician. The flutist was in trouble. He pretended to be sick, but the royal physician wasn’t fooled. On the day of his solo performance the imposter took poison and committed suicide. The explanation of his suicide has led to a phrase that has found its way into the English language, “He refused to face the music.” The cure for deceit is to face the music, tell the truth, live in the truth, and come clean. Jesus said, “I am the truth and the truth will set you free.” That is Jesus’ way of saying, “Only the truth can bless you.” What is truth? God’s word. Jesus prayed for each of us, “Lord, sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth.” So if you face the music, tell the truth, come clean, live in the truth of God’s word, the truth will bless you. The truth might hurt at first, might not be a lot of fun, and might be hard, but it will bless you because it will set you free from living in darkness. The truth will unchain you from the lies you have told. It will bring life back to your marriage, your soul, your conscience, your faith. Remember, only the truth can bless you. The psalmist prayed a good pray, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth. “
Many years ago a man conned his way into the orchestra of the Emperor of China, although he could not play a note. Whenever they practiced or performed he would hold a flute against his lips and pretend to play and not make a sound. He received a modest salary and enjoyed a comfortable living. Then one day the Emperor requested a solo from each musician. The flutist was in trouble. He pretended to be sick, but the royal physician wasn’t fooled. On the day of his solo performance the imposter took poison and committed suicide. The explanation of his suicide has led to a phrase that has found its way into the English language, “He refused to face the music.” The cure for deceit is to face the music, tell the truth, live in the truth, and come clean. Jesus said, “I am the truth and the truth will set you free.” That is Jesus’ way of saying, “Only the truth can bless you.” What is truth? God’s word. Jesus prayed for each of us, “Lord, sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth.” So if you face the music, tell the truth, come clean, live in the truth of God’s word, the truth will bless you. The truth might hurt at first, might not be a lot of fun, and might be hard, but it will bless you because it will set you free from living in darkness. The truth will unchain you from the lies you have told. It will bring life back to your marriage, your soul, your conscience, your faith. Remember, only the truth can bless you. The psalmist prayed a good pray, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth. “
– Dr. Tim Thompson, Senior Pastor Director