Truth to Power
November 24, 2018
What is speaking truth to power? And what are the characteristics of it and the people doing it?
It is always non-partisan even though we all have our own affiliations.
It sometimes means criticizing your own candidate.
It is about accountability and people who speak truth to power know that the people are the authorities to which elected servants must answer.
It does not calculate, but it does negotiate.
It does not equivocate, but it does recognize that we live in a broken world with broken people.
It recognizes that God uses broken things and people. Therefore, we pray for hearts to turn and lives to change.
It praises the good things opponents do and encourages them to do more of the same.
It is usually dangerous and often decisive, but it seeks neither decisiveness not frivolous danger. It aims toward reconciliation.
It stands with the oppressed, disenfranchised, and unpopular people.
It makes us unpopular, but if we are consistent and truthful, we will be heard. We will make friends with our opponents because, out of respectful dialogue may common solutions.
It need not be rude or disrespectful. It may require civil resistance and disobedience to unjust laws, but those resisting will not seek the harm of others and will not resist the consequences of their stands for righteousness.
It listens to other voices.
It is rooted in love.
It aims for love.
It is bathed in hope. It is difficult to sustain despair. We believe that change is possible.
It is our calling as citizens and as followers of Jesus.