How does it make you feel when someone disagrees with you?
If we are honest, it’s probably a little natural to get irritated. One leadership thought is: “If you and your friend always agree, one of you is unnecessary.” Having different perspectives can help discover the truth in many situations.
What is truth? Truth is telling it like it is. Truth is not simply what makes you feel good. A bad report from the doctor might cause you to feel bad, but it represents the truth. Truth is not always what we want to hear, but truth is valuable. Let me encourage you to surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth. We can agree to disagree and still maintain unity because unity is not sameness.
If a football team is unified, it doesn’t mean that everyone is playing the same position. It means everybody is going toward the same goal line.
If an orchestra is harmonious, it’s not because there are all playing the same instrument; it’s because they are all playing the same song.
If a choir is singing in great harmony, it’s not because they are singing the same parts; it’s because they are adding their part to the same song.
It’s a common goal that produces true unity. Unity has to do with the same purpose. A coach, a conductor, and a director all have to provide genuine feedback based on the common purpose. That is what a leader does. Great leaders provide great feedback.
Let’s talk about Paul. Paul was a great leader.
The name “Paul” means little. Before his conversion, he was advancing in Judaism beyond many of his contemporaries. But God stopped Him in his tracks and transformed him. One way to deny the truthfulness of a message is to deny the authority of the one who gives it. Some said that Paul was a self-appointed apostle. He fights against this label for years. Paul loves the Galatians and is sharing the truth about the gospel with them. But he could tell they felt differently about him because he shared the truth.
“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” – Galatians 4:16
We all have friends and enemies. Be careful not to confuse a friend to be an enemy when they tell you the truth. Even salt and sugar look the same. The Galatians have decided that Paul is now their enemy because he is telling them the truth. He is being punished for trying to help them. Remember, unity is not sameness. Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6
Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth.
Who in your life is a friend that will tell you the truth?
Who do you need to speak truth to this Christmas?