Certain people ought to be truth-tellers and preachers are one of them. Tragically, this sometimes fails to be the case. When we neglect to promote truth we harm ourselves and others.

Malachi faithfully recorded words from the Lord for the preachers of his day: For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble…So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.

Surveys today reveal a declining trust the general population holds in members of the clergy. Sexual abuse and financial gouging by so called shepherds of souls led to this result. I don’t hold an implicit trust in members of the clergy and I’m one of them.

Along with scandalous acts comes insipid teaching of the Word of God. Handling the scriptures with partiality, inventive theology and shading truth might be popular with the masses, but it’s not what should roll off the lips of a priest.

If we claim to follow Jesus, then we’re all priests and it’s not our calling to be popular.

Study the Bible, wrestle with its teachings and tell the truth. Some may kick and scream, call you names on social media and cancel your brand. But others, even those who disagree, will respect you for your principled stand.

Most importantly, as messengers of the Lord Almighty, we’d d*mn well better know what we’re saying. Take the calling seriously—don’t veer off script. Let us preserve the knowledge found in the scriptures as we serve the Lord.

It’s up to us to teach with clarity and accuracy. Only then might we lead people clear-eyed into the presence of the Lord who shows grace and grants forgiveness.

Malachi 2 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Ben White