"From the Soul"

I’ll admit I’ve done got crusty,

Like so many men my age,

But let me share some reasons why,

Though I don’t claim to be some sage.

I’ve just heard all I can stand,

Form the liars and deceivers,

The put-downs are relentless,

For God and country true believers.

Immorality is rampant,

Pride in what God says is wrong,

And “rights” for every ne’er-do-well,

That claims that they belong.

What happens when truth takes back seat,

And pretenders take the wheel,

The whole thing runs right off a cliff,

And that’s a tragic deal.

Abandoning the children,

To technology’s harsh grip,

While Mom and Dad can’t find a way,

To make the Sunday trip,

To worship at the church house,

No matter time or place,

But gather with the family,

To seek the Savior’s face.

It seems we can’t connect the dots,

Between the sow and reap,

Spending all our energy,

On what we cannot keep.

You say, old man, you’re negative,

And, yes, you may be right,

But I can see the difference,

In the darkness and the light.

And I’m praying God will help me,

To live like He loves me,

But speak truth in a loving way,

To set the captive free.

Never harsh or mean or mad,

With those who disagree,

But find a way to still connect,

And in the Spirit be.

Come back to God, O people,

And find your rest and peace,

Jesus has an easy yoke,

Your burdens to release.

Come back to God’s own holy way,

Of living by His will,

Daily die to selfish pride,

The works of flesh to kill.

Find the bright and narrow way,

That Jesus pointed to,

No doubt the hope to be okay,

We know it to be true.

Yes, I’m old and crusty,

But God’s still in control,

Pray that we can get it right,

And speak truth from the soul.

“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head o fHis body, the church.” (Ephesians 4:15-16, NLT)

Paul speaks to who and what influences us. If we’re spiritually immature our lack of discernment causes instability. But we have a steady diet of the truth spoken in love we will stand strong against lies and deception. In fact this is truly the most succinct formula for spiritual growth in scripture. The truth without love is overwhelming. Love without truth doesn’t facilitate change. But put them together and growth occurs. That’s what we need to both give and receive.

Lord, stabilize us with the truth spoken in love, in Jesus’ name.

Art bt Jason Rich, used by permission. Thanks, Jason, and God bless you.