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The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, "There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah." Jehoshaphat replied, "That's not the way a king should talk! Let's hear what he has to say." 2 Chronicles 18:7 NLT
Ever known someone who always pushed you spiritually? Maybe it was your dad or grandpa, or a guy in your church. Human as we are, we sometimes bristle at being challenged. Why, we wonder, can’t they just be nice?
“Christians should be nice” is a great misconception of the faith. Of course we should be kind, gentle, helpful, and generous—these are all biblical teachings. But if “nice” means we agree with everyone on everything, our theology has problems.
Israel’s wicked King Ahab, who spoke the words of today’s scripture, wanted a “nice” prophet—someone to tell him just what he wanted to hear. Micaiah, to his everlasting credit, was not that king of guy.
When the messenger sent to summon Micaiah told him, “Look, all (Ahab’s) prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success” (2 Chronicles 18:12), this true prophet replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what my God says” (v.13).
That’s the way it should be. Don’t expect fellow believers always to affirm your attitudes, behaviors, or choices. And don’t always affirm those “ABCs” of others. The ironclad rule must be “Only what God says.”
Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom and courage always to speak the truth, in love.
Ever known someone who always pushed you spiritually? Maybe it was your dad or grandpa, or a guy in your church. Human as we are, we sometimes bristle at being challenged. Why, we wonder, can’t they just be nice?
“Christians should be nice” is a great misconception of the faith. Of course we should be kind, gentle, helpful, and generous—these are all biblical teachings. But if “nice” means we agree with everyone on everything, our theology has problems.
Israel’s wicked King Ahab, who spoke the words of today’s scripture, wanted a “nice” prophet—someone to tell him just what he wanted to hear. Micaiah, to his everlasting credit, was not that king of guy.
When the messenger sent to summon Micaiah told him, “Look, all (Ahab’s) prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success” (2 Chronicles 18:12), this true prophet replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what my God says” (v.13).
That’s the way it should be. Don’t expect fellow believers always to affirm your attitudes, behaviors, or choices. And don’t always affirm those “ABCs” of others. The ironclad rule must be “Only what God says.”
Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom and courage always to speak the truth, in love.
