Naming Reality

Jeremiah 7-9; John 13

“Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name and say, ‘We are safe’…They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.”

Jeremiah 7:9, 10; 8:11

It is the responsibility of leaders to help define reality for those they lead. God’s leaders in Israel were prophets and priests who facilitated the (temple’s) people’s worship and sacrificial observances. When these leaders no longer defined reality as God was viewing it, but treated sin lightly and used ‘peace’ as a Band-Aid, God became angry. Using our worship service attendance as a bargaining chip with God will not work. Using ‘peace’ as a calming tool when sin must be exposed and rooted out, also grieves God. Leaders called by God must find their reference points to define reality both in listening to God and those they serve in ministry.

Are we more focused on peace and safety than on God’s “truth in love”?

“Lord God, free my heart to see and name reality as you see it, for your glory.”