“Tell It Like It Is”
1 Peter 3:15-16
November 6, 2008
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
I had the privilege of officiating the funeral service of Bro. Harry Roberts. Bro. Harry was someone that you just had to know to know him. And if you had met him, there’s not a doubt in your mind that you did know him. For as many lives that Harry has come into contact with, there are so many things that could be said about Harry Roberts. Everyone has their own unique stories and memories of this dear fellow.
My experience began with him when I became the pastor of New Home Church in January of 1999. He was one of the residents I would visit at the Miller County Nursing Home. You’d always be able to spot him in a crowd: he always wore bleached white overalls and he always needed to comb his hair. Harry’s personality was such that he could quickly get beside of you, but you just couldn’t help but love the man. I think I understand what made him so appealing to many of us. Harry Roberts would tell it like it was. He’d share his faith with a boldness that leaves folks like me ashamed of ourselves.
There’s something inside of most of us that knew Harry that desired to be like him (on some levels). I don’t know about your life, but I’m timid when it comes to sharing my faith. I can stand before dozens of people and speak about judgment, about the love of God, and about Jesus our atonement, but get me in a smaller group, and I’m that proverbial fish out of water. What is our “hang up” about sharing the love of Christ with others? How do we get beyond that fear?
I’m afraid the answer is pretty simple: tell it like it is. That’s what Bro. Harry did. He called things as he saw things. Now he wasn’t always right; none of us are. But when it came to the Gospel ministry, he unashamedly shared the truth of Jesus Christ with many, whether they asked or not. I believe that it was a conviction of his that the message was absolutely true. Every jot and tittle of the Gospel was vividly real to Harry. Now he was not perfect. Sometimes sharing that faith caused folks to be turned off by him. “Is this a church, Harry?” But he kept right on telling it like it was.
I want to ask you, reader, something I often ask myself. Do I really believe that the message of Jesus Christ is true? If it is true for me, do I believe that it is true for others? What about the truth of eternal condemnation? Is all that true too? You see, when we really believe that the Gospel is true, we understand what exactly stands in the balance. And so it becomes more important, not easier, and more essential as a daily pattern for our lives. Look for opportunities; the Lord gives them freely. Seek out those souls that are hurting and empty; you possess the Balm of Gilead for their souls. Don’t compromise that message or your obligation to share that message. God promises that He will honor our efforts for the sake of His Word. It will not return unto Him empty. All you have to do, like Harry did, is tell it like it is.
Here at New Home Free Will Baptist Church, we believe in that Gospel. It has taken root in our lives and we are ready to share that message with anyone who needs it. We invite you all to come and worship with us. We might not always know your name, but I promise you we will always love you. Lord, grant us the privilege in participating in your eternal harvest…for your honor and your glory!
In Christ,
Benjamin