John the Baptist was a man on a mission. Living out in the wilderness, he called people to turn back to God and pointed everyone toward Jesus. He spoke the truth boldly, even when it made people uncomfortable. And in the end, that truth cost him his life (Mark 6:14–29).

Herod liked John. He even called him “a righteous and holy man” and respected him. But comfort, image, and control mattered more to Herod than conviction. When Herodias demanded John’s death, a careless promise at a banquet sealed his fate. John refused to compromise. He lived faithfully, and it cost him everything.

Standing for Truth Isn’t Easy

John’s story reminds us that speaking and living truthfully often comes with a price. Proverbs 12:19 says, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” Being faithful can hurt in the short term. Worship isn’t just singing songs, it’s living surrendered to God. When it’s messy, uncomfortable, or scary.

Even philosophers have noticed this tension. The Romantics valued authenticity and living fully according to deep feeling, while thinkers like Nietzsche observed that many bend just to avoid pain. Lately, Pastor Aaron has been referencing Russian nihilism a lot, reminding us that life without truth can feel empty or meaningless, but John’s example shows that living faithfully, even at a cost, gives life real purpose. Truth is a posture of the heart, not just a nice idea.

Freedom and Cost Go Together

Jesus said in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Freedom isn’t always comfortable. John was free in his obedience, even while locked in a prison cell. Psalm 15 asks, “Who may dwell in your sacred tent? …one who speaks the truth from their heart.” John lived that out every day.

Truth often clashes with power, comfort, and convenience. Herod didn’t want to upset anyone or lose face, but John’s faithfulness left a mark far bigger than Herod’s fears. Truth may provoke, annoy, or isolate, but it leaves a lasting impact.

Why This Matters to Us

Here at First Church of God I see how our community strives to live faithfully, through worship, service, and standing for truth. It’s not always easy, but it matters. Hebrews 11:4 reminds us, “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did.” Faithfulness counts.

I want to encourage each of us to embrace courage in our daily lives. Whether it’s in worship, in conversation, or standing up for what’s right. Kierkegaard said, “To be a Christian is to constantly have one foot in the world and one foot outside it, risking everything for what is true.” John lived that truth every day. May we do the same, finding purpose in God’s truth even when the world points toward emptiness.