Don't Shelve the Truth!

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18)

I recall vividly hearing a preacher years ago describe the impact of this word "suppress," beloved. As I remember his illustration, he said that it would be like someone trying to press down a giant spring that is meant to be fully expanded and operational, to put so much weight and pressure on it that it would forever be completely compressed, hidden and totally ineffective.

I witnessed this morning a live interview on the television news that illustrates so beautifully the effect of the term "suppress the truth" that I felt compelled to post these devotional thoughts to my blog site concerning it. An EPA scientist was being interviewed by the media this morning and revealed that he had written a report showing that further investigation on the issue of "global warming" needs to be done because his research shows that global temperatures may be dropping instead of rising. Those above him, however, instead of forwarding this scientific report to the group charged by the president with examining such facts and recommending policy to the present administration, have chosen to "shelve" his report because it is not in the best interests of the current administration leading the United States. In other words, beloved, they have chosen to "suppress" at least this truth concerning global warming!

Should that surprise us at all as Christians? Let me give you an example of other "suppression" of truth which is going on right now in the US and around the world, one that is not only having a negative impact on mankind at this present time, but which if left unchecked will have an impact for all of eternity. I am reading a wonderful book entitled Why Won't They Listen? written by well-known speaker and author Ken Ham, founder of the "Answers in Genesis" worldwide ministry. In his book, Ken shows how society has moved away from a belief in God as the creator and sustainer of life. Evolutionary thought has so invaded the thinking of people that the Bible has lost its authority in their thinking. Thus, they will not listen to the message of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross because those who are promoting such evolutionary ideas have successfully "suppressed the truth in unrighteousness." The Bible has been discredited and the existence of God discounted in the thinking of so many people. Such thinking has led to the notion that we may now establish our own standard of what is right and wrong and that we are accountable to no one except ourselves. I am quite sure that you can think of many areas of public life today, beloved, where such suppression of divine truth has led to unrighteous living!

So what is the solution for us as Christians? It is the same that it has always been. We need to proclaim the truths of God whenever and wherever we have opportunity, now more than ever. We need to rebut the false claims of evolutionary thinking by revealing the creation-truth of God's Word. The apostle Peter has himself given us the solution to this 21st century dilemma:

"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account of the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Peter 3:15)

More than anything else, however, we need to live out powerfully the truth of God that is being so suppressed by unrighteous people. There is no more compelling evidence to be found in any laboratory than can be seen in the life of a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ! Listen to what the apostle Peter went on to say to believers of his day:

"You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen" (2 Peter 3:17-18)

May the Holy Spirit strengthen and enrich you, beloved, as you present to a watching world the irrepressible truth of the God of all!

Ron