Truth With a Genuine Smile

"There is growing up in society a Pharisaic system which adds to the commands of God the precepts of men; to that system I will not yield for an hour. The preservation of my liberty may bring upon me the upbraidings of many good men, and the sneers of the self-righteous; but I shall endure both with serenity so long as I feel clear in my conscience before God." C. H. Spurgeon

Recently the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention passed new policies regarding qualifications of prospective missionaries of our Southern Baptist Convention. As a new trustee of the IMB I voiced my opposition to the proposed policies over and over again. In the end, I, and other like-minded trustees could not persuade enough trustees to vote against the proposed policy changes.

Here is where it gets interesting. Several people from across the convention have written to me asking "What happened?" Since every Southern Baptist is privileged to hold the trustees of our agencies accountable, and since I have publicly stated my objections to the IMB Board on numerous occasions, I am free to tell exactly what happened.

But I must tell it with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Why?

The one distinguishing mark of graced people is that they are gracious to others who disagree. Paul tells the Ephesian Christians that their entire salvation is one of grace, therefore, walk "consistent with your calling."

So to all my friends in the blogging world and beyond, remember, not everyone will agree with us doctrinally. Not everyone will see the world the way we do.

Speak the truth. But never forget, the world revolves because God spins it, not us.

Speak the truth with a genuine smile because He works all things according to the counsel of His will for our good and His glory.

There is no room for acrimony and bitterness in the people of God. Truth, yes. Courage, yes. Boldness, yes. Grace, always!

God's grace to you and yours,

Wade