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When preachers (or writers) consider what they are going to say, now and then they are faced with the question about whether they should avoid touching certain subjects lest they should offend someone. Of course, our messages are not at all to be aimed at hitting out at anyone, hiding behind the pulpit. But are we tempted to hold back something in the message because that is not going to please someone, even though we know it is the truth and ought to be told? What are at stake are our popularity and acceptance, and the desire to be called back!

Jesus proclaimed the truth even to be point of offending the religious leaders and getting killed as a result. The apostle Paul declared that he did not shrink back from declaring the whole purpose of God – "all the counsel of God - KJV" (Ac.20:27). What would be the result if we don't declare the whole truth but keep back certain things that might offend someone? Our listeners cannot then receive the full potential for wholesome development and growth. They may grow up with handicaps in their lives or certain bondages from which they can never be set free. In the process of trying to be 'politically correct', have we damaged lives or held back things that could have helped them?

The point here is about our goal. Are we aiming at our own gain – money, fame, reputation – or are we seeking to bless others? Don't we want to be 'faithful and sensible stewards' whom the Master can trust to give people their 'rations at the proper time' (Lk.12:42)? These 'rations' (their portion of food - ESV) are not just what people like, in terms of taste, but what they need, in terms of nourishment. Again, are we concerned that our hearers or readers grow, or only that we gain in the process?

Paul was not aiming at making an empire or gaining a crowd of followers. His goal was, "We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ" (Co.1:28). In order to do this, would he speak all the things that people needed to hear, or avoid saying things that would 'hurt the sentiments' of the Jews on one side and the Gentiles on the other?

When God appointed Ezekiel as a watchman for the nation of Israel, He told him to speak whatever word he heard from God (Ez.3:17). He was to tell the people all the messages from God, 'whether they listened or not' (2:7). Was this just a special ministry for Ezekiel, or a standard for everyone who has been entrusted with the responsibility for sharing God's word with people? God clarified to Ezekiel that if he chose not to pass on God's warnings to the people, the blame (God used the word 'blood') would be on his head (3:18).

When we stand faithful to God, some people may leave us or turn against us. But we know this, that in the end, it is the Lord's blessings that we need, and He will stand with us to the end. He will also honour those who honour Him, and not those who despise Him (1Sa.2:30).

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