When the Truth Hurts

In a healthy organization with good management, telling the truth is rightly encouraged. Egos don't get in the way of what is best for the business as a whole.

Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world. Many of us work in environments that discourage input, or value getting in line over speaking out when something's not right. This means that telling the truth can be a risky proposition, even to the point of putting our jobs on the line.

But does that mean we are just supposed to keep our heads down and our mouths shut? Not if we want to follow a Christ who consistently speaks truth to power, and is willing to pay the price for it. Acting with integrity, not simply to satisfy our own pride, but to do everything we can for the good of our coworkers, clients, and communities, is something we're called to do, even if it doesn't pay.

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
-John 8:32

Transcript

From his work in sales, Paul could look ahead and see serious problems in the company’s path—problems obvious to him but ignored by those around him. So Paul raised the issue with top management...and for his trouble, his colleagues ignored him.

After a while, they ridiculed him. Eventually, they marginalized him. Paul never backed off from what he saw. And down the road, when his predictions proved out and the company hit hard times—he got fired.

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. The life of Jesus shows us that the truth can hurt...and it can hurt the teller. But truth-telling, resting on right judgment, is no choice. It’s our obligation...in the high calling of our daily work.