Priority of Truth
By W. E. Brightwell
The Reflector - April 2009

If we are trying to go to heaven and take everybody with us we can, we will have to place truth above the desire for peace and progress.

1) Truth must Have Priority over Friendship: Differences are unpleasant. There is no excuse for them unless they in some way affect our reaching our destination. Truth is more important than friendship. It is not a friendly act to compromise the truth. Love for friends demands that love of truth be put first (Jno. 8:32).

2) Truth must Have Priority over Courtesy: John sets the limitations of courtesy where truth is involved: "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 Jno. 9-11).

3) Truth must Have Priority over Peace, Unity and Fellowship: Those are more desirable. We have preached millions of sermons on "unity." It is sad we cannot enjoy more of it. But these things are results, not goals. They follow conformity to the truth as naturally as night follows day or as water runs down hill. "If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another... ." (I Jn. 1:7). Would it not be better, to preach more on loyalty to God and His truth, and let the peace, unity and fellowship come in their natural order?

The notion that we should sacrifice truth to keep peace in the family, make "party" progress, is equally vicious and more formidable than any false doctrine which is proclaimed. We must continue to fight error or else become a denomination, like the rest. Which shall it be—truth, or party?