The king of Israel then ordered, “Take Micaiah and send him back to Amon the ruler of the city and to Joash the king’s son and say, ‘This is what the king says: Put this fellow in prison and give him nothing but bread and water until I return safely.’ ”

Micaiah declared, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Mark my words, all you people!” 1 Kings 22:26-28

Ahab obviously didn’t appreciate Micaiah’s prophecy against him so he threw him in jail (even though Micaiah was warned to tell the truth). Truth is a rare commodity these days. People who are in sin do not like to hear truth spoken to them. And yet, if we’re not careful we can slip into little lies and fibs in the things we do.

We’re entering a time of life that truth will be regarded as dangerous. I know that sounds absurd. If everyone around you is lying and you come in and are a straight shooter with the truth, you will get noticed quickly. Look at the truth that Jesus revealed daily. What was the Pharisees’ reaction? Let’s stone him; you’re insane; you’re nuts!

All that to say this: every body may not appreciate the truth, but you still have to tell it. There are ways to temper the way you share it, but ultimately you’ll need to tell the truth. And the truth may cost you. Are we willing to pay the price of imprisonment or ill treatment? Certainly the truth will set you free, but often there’s occasionally a price tag associated with that freedom.