“It’s good to feel useful in this old world. To hit a lick against what’s wrong, or to say a word for what’s right, even though you might get walloped for saying that word. I may sound like a Bible-beater yelling up a revival at a river-crossing camp meeting, but that don’t change the truth none: there’s right and there’s wrong. You gotta do one or the other. You do the one and you’re living. You do the other and you may be walking around, but you’re dead as a beaver hat.”
These words were spoken by the legendary John Wayne as he portrayed Davy Crockett in “The Alamo.” They are strong and true words, spoken by a strong and true American. Yes, every proud American knows they would stand shoulder to shoulder with the Duke to tell the truth and defend what is right. A great man once said, “The surest way to get into a fight is to tell the truth.” The truth is, when you tell the truth, you will get walloped. And you’ll be just like Davy Crockett and the boys at the Alamo. You’ll be surrounded by hostile forces determined to wipe you out. The most tragic thing is the ones most likely to stab you in the back with a Bowie knife will be family and friends. They will do everything possible to eliminate the truth. And there won’t be anybody left to cry, “Remember the Alamo!” You will be left to pick up the pieces when the irresistible force of your perception of truth collides with the immovable rock of reality.
So now what do you do? What do you do when you discover that people who are dear to you are at best indifferent to the truth, and at worst are openly hostile to it? It is a bitter thing to learn that people who you thought stood shoulder to shoulder with you, in reality want nothing to do with the truth. These revelations can be both devastating and invigorating. You are stunned by the loss and outright hostility of former friends. Yet, at the same time, the battle forces you to analyze who you are and what you truly believe. There is a sadness for the end of things that once were, and a bemused amazement when you discover the true thoughts and character of people.
Your commitment to truth will cause you to be ostracized. People who once valued your time or advice will want nothing to do with you. Those that once cried on your shoulder now stare daggers into your heart. And that’s the truth. There are those who agree with your stand, yet will remain silent. They know what happened to you. They want none of that! It is better to have a laugh and piece of pie with the majority!
It is rumored that Davy Crockett once said, “Be sure you’re right, then go ahead!” Well, we see what happened to him, don’t we? So here’s the truth. Truth is not easy. Truth is not popular. Truth is not valued. Truth will get you walloped. Many of those who proclaim they are truth-seekers are liars. You had better be sure the truth you say you believe is in the core of your being. Speaking truth is one thing; acting on it is another. Know this, the truth will make you lonely, tired, and misunderstood. But it also makes the Bible come to focus in your life. You finally know the truth of which Jesus spoke. There is a cost of discipleship.
And look on the bright side. Once you speak the truth, your wife won’t have to shake nearly so many hands at your funeral!
Remember the Alamo!