You and I deliver messages all the time. Some are good messages – the kind that lift your heart, making the steps along the way just a little lighter. Good messages tend to span the full range – a lingering problem solved, a traffic ticket sorted, a bill paid, a job won, or even a sticky situation with a relative resolved. It is easy, natural, and at times exciting to be on this end of things; no negative, no hassles, not even a chance of someone arguing with you!
The B-side is not as kind, friendly, or easy. This is especially true when one has to expose those who have broken the rules, exploited the weak, or brought pain into the lives around themselves. Wisdom says that “whoever whitewashes the wicked gets a black mark in the history books, but whoever exposes the wicked will be thanked and rewarded.” (Proverbs 24.24, 25) In the long run this is true however in the short be prepared to face intense adversaries, have you personal ethics questioned, and be grilled from every angle.
In old times kings killed messengers who brought bad news. I am not so sure that it is any different except we use killing as a metaphor for something other than physical death. We had bad news. Obviously everyone should get along, things should work together logically and on time, and results achieved. It does not matter if we are dysfunctional, take decisions that conflict with our previous goals and activities, or impose our own form of god-centric behavior. Things should work. Goals can and should be met. Relationships always operate in love centric ways.
The irony is that I find myself living in a place of dreams. As much as I hate bad news – without it how can I take corrective action? Is there another way to know when I should ask for help? Will I be forced to face the facts or deal with myths?
Even as I resist, I do want messengers speaking truth in love. Tell me! Let me have an opportunity to win!
