Why We Shouldn’t Change the Truth to Fit In
Every church, group, and individual eventually faces a big question: Should we stick to what we know is true, or should we change things a bit to please more people and make life easier? This isn’t just a one-time decision but something we wrestle with over and over again in small ways that add up to something bigger. It’s a test that challenges our values and shapes our future.
The Key Question
The choice boils down to this: Do we adjust our beliefs or practices to gain more followers or satisfy others? Or do we stay true to what we know is right, even if it costs us? If we choose to alter the truth, we take on the burden of whatever happens next. But if we decide to stick with the truth, we trust that God will handle the consequences.
This isn’t just a choice for churches—businesses, students, and individuals face similar dilemmas every day. For example, a student might wonder if they should cheat on a test to get better grades, or a business owner might think about cutting ethical corners to make more money. The same principle applies: Do we stay true to what’s right, or do we bend the rules for personal gain?
Why It’s a Hard Decision
At first glance, this might seem like an easy choice—of course, we should do the right thing! But in real life, it’s a tough call. Choosing to stick with the truth can mean making sacrifices, like losing popularity, comfort, or even success. It’s tempting to think that bending the rules just a little won’t hurt, especially if it seems to make life better in the short term.
However, history has shown us that compromising on the truth often leads to unintended consequences. For example, when churches or groups change their beliefs to attract more people, they might lose the deep sense of worship and connection with God that they once had. Over time, the things that made them special and meaningful can fade away.
Why Staying True Matters
Sticking to the truth isn’t just about following rules—it’s about integrity and faithfulness. Just like it’s unthinkable to ask whether someone should be loyal to their spouse, we should approach this question with the same clarity and commitment. There’s only one real answer: we must hold on to what’s right.
That doesn’t mean it’s easy. Leaders, pastors, and boards often debate these issues, both in meetings and in their personal prayers. Individuals wrestle with them in everyday life. But making the hard choice to stay true to our principles is what sets us apart and keeps us grounded.
The Risk of Compromise
When we choose to compromise, we take on the responsibility for the outcomes. One of the biggest risks is losing the sense of worship and reverence that should define our spiritual lives. Many people today have never experienced what it truly means to worship from the heart, and that’s a loss we should all grieve.
The author of this reflection even admits feeling a longing for God’s presence among His people, quoting a heartfelt cry from the Bible: “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6-7). This passage captures the deep yearning for a return to something pure and unshaken by compromise.
The Takeaway
The truth is worth preserving, even when it’s difficult. It’s not about clinging to tradition for its own sake but staying faithful to what we know is right. When we make that choice, we leave the outcomes in God’s hands, trusting Him to guide us through the challenges that come our way. While it may not always be the easiest path, it’s the one that leads to lasting integrity and a deeper connection with God.
In the end, this is a decision we all must make—not just once, but many times throughout our lives. Whether it’s in our faith, our work, or our personal choices, the test remains the same: Will we stand firm in the truth, or will we bend to make things easier? The answer shapes who we are and what we stand for.
afrancinegreen.com 