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Speak Truth, Accept Truth

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I don't know about you, but I tend to accept certain realities more readily based on their source. While I certainly understand, and readily agree, that truth is not based on location, I am cognizant of my own reality. Perhaps you are the same.

We can agree that truth is truth no matter, but certainly you've experienced a situation where you accepted a long stated truth when someone was able to word it differently. For instance, your parents have told you for years that taking care of yourself would be a good idea. Then a girl comes along and tells you she finds it attractive when guys comb their hair and -PRESTO- you invest in hair products.

Or perhaps your pastor has told you for years about God's love, but it doesn't seem real to you until you spend a week at a summer camp. Your life perspective changes quickly while those who have been telling you the same thing go bang their head against a wall.

But there is at least one person who I did not think I would question. While others may have, I assumed I would adhere without any pause. Yet, since I am no better than others who have gone before me, I have to question my assumptions.

In Malachi 1, we find the introductory message of a mysterious messenger, a guy by the name of Malachi. His name means messenger, making the name choice un-creative on the part of his parents. It's like naming your son Boy. Although, it would make commands like 'Come here, Boy' seem less disrespectful.

Malachi starts out by proclaiming God's love for the people. And since Malachi is just a messenger for God, it's really God proclaiming His message of love for the people. But without hesitation, the people turn around and say, 'Prove it.'

Again, while I would like to think that I would be smart enough not to say that to God, I can't pretend to imagine myself better than the people Malachi was messaging. It seems foolish to question the validity of a statement coming from the person who embodies truth, yet that is what we are guilty of in this case. The Author of Love is left to prove what has already been proven.

All the while we sit back and forget what kind of relationship we are in.
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