We tend to show deference to those the world considers important. Our insecurities are often revealed in those moments. But John didn’t adjust his message to avoid offending those in power. The fact that the religious leaders prayed five times a day, memorized large portions of Scripture, and fasted twice a week didn’t keep John from calling them a brood of snakes (Luke 3:7). He had no problem stating the truth—that their relationship with God was superficial and that they were more concerned with accruing power and position than they were for the things of God. Without apology, John summoned
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