Have you ever stretched a rubber band between yourself and another person to see how far it would stretch? How brave were you? Who let go first out of fear of being snapped? Playing with rubber bands is all fun and games until someone loses an eye!
Have you enjoyed playing with a Slinky? Though originally all made of metal, most are now made of plastic. We have a multicolored one that sits on our coffee table. It’s one of the things a neighbor’s toddler loved to play with when he came over. But do you know the thing that ruins a slinky? If you stretch it out between two people to see how far it will go, it will lose its slink.
What’s the spiritual truth we can gain from this consideration of a rubber band and Slinky? Well, actually, that’s it! There is a relationship between the above ideas and “truth”!
Note the following sayings:
“The trouble with stretching the truth is that it’s apt to snap back.” [bulletin clipping]
“Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.” [bulletin one-liners]
Do we understand the “truth” of those statements? “Truth” — true to its form — is to retain its shape! Stretching it will either void its usefulness or cause hurt to self or others.
In Proverbs we read the words of the wise regarding honesty.
“(26) Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.” (Proverbs 24:26 ESV)
Honesty! It is not off to the side! It is not from a distance! It is direct and straight forward, like a kiss on the lips! It is important in relationships! It is important in life! It is important for self! It is important to God! May it remain important to us in our daily interactions with others!
Have a great day BEING TRUE TO TRUTH’S FORM!
Carl
