I going to take a quick break from the worship series for just a moment to post about something that’s been bothering me lately… Have no fear, I will return to the worship posts soon.
I read a blog a couple of days ago that really frustrated me… I realize that’s pretty common place these days. Everyone has an opinion, and these days everyone feels the need to make theirs heard. But I just can’t shake this particular guy… This one blogger is becoming somewhat “famous” in the blog world - at least in the so called “Evangelical” blog world. Many folks follow his blogs daily and he has even been a guest blogger on various news and pseudo-news blogs/sites and articles. And I understand his take on most things, albeit, I just don’t agree with him on most of his stances….
Now, this guy is a professing follower of Christ. And from the blogs and articles I’ve read from him, I can affirm his faith journey. He uses his understanding of Scripture and the world to help shape what he believes, just as I do… And just as you do…
And that’s why I need to be careful as I write this…..
But his last blog I read (not to date by the way - this particular one just happened to pop up on my Facebook feed) didn't sit well with me. The way he addressed the topic at hand - suicide on this specific post - was what bothered me. He approached this topic the same way he does most: he takes the opposing view point and clobbers it to death with that which he calls “Truth”.
Now, he uses various scriptures, thoughts, and even traditions to back up his “truth” and battles hard to win every argument he approaches… And it doesn’t bother me that he can defend his belief system. Good for him. I think more people need to learn to defend what and why they belief what they do.
So it doesn’t bother me that he can intellectually think through an argument and defend it.
It bothers me that he defends his belief system with opinions that come across as absolute truth. And in my opinion, there’s only one absolute in this world… And there is only one truth…
We as humans have been seeking it out since the beginning of time.
I’m reminded of an encounter in the Bible where Jesus is standing before the Roman Governor Pilate and he and Jesus have this interesting conversation. In the exchange, Pilate is asking Jesus whether he is the “King of the Jews” as he has been labeled. In that time, this would no doubt be considered heresy, because to the Jews there was only one King, GOD, and thus Jesus could be condemned to death for such a heresy. But as Pilate and Jesus talk, this question of truth comes up. Jesus said, “Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” (John 18:37). And Pilate responds with a question many of us are still asking today, “What is Truth?” (John 18:38).
I find this interesting, because here is Jesus - the very essence of truth; Truth personified. The very reason we have and can find truth… He is staring Pilate in the face and Pilate still asks, “what is truth?”
You see, Jesus said he came to testify to the truth. When you look at the life of Jesus, there’s not one instance where He forced truth on anybody. He never went up to people and said, “This is my way… Believe it or else!” He never pounded his opinions and beliefs into people by winning the argument. Jesus simply presented himself as he was and people responded.
Now one could argue there were times Jesus used force. Sure, but those times He did were towards the religious leaders; those who should know better anyway. He was forceful with those who had spent their lives studying God’s law - the Law, by the way, which point to Jesus. They missed the truth too…
So, where does this leave us? What does this mean for us now? Let’s go back to my blogger pal for a minute… He claims to know truth and to reveal that truth (or proclaim that truth in a loving manner - as he puts it).
And here’s what bothers me… When did “we” - and by “We” I mean those of use professing to follow Christ - come to the conclusion that we had to tell everyone our truth lest they be wrong? Who decided that we had to tell everyone our truth and make sure they believe it as we do?
What really bothers me is the “This is the truth as I see it and you should believe this too or else” Mentality.
I believe we as followers of Christ should proclaim the truth… But here’s how I think we should approach it. I think that instead of yelling at everyone about the truth that we claim to have, I Believe we are to point everyone toward the truth… Let me put it this way, If Jesus is the Truth - And we believe that because he said, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the Life.” (John 14:6) - Then why not point people to Christ and let them discover that Truth for themselves?
It may sound weak, or even watered down. But I believe that when people discover something for themselves, it is way more powerful than just winning them over with an argument.
Growing up, my dad would ask us, “What do you win when you win an argument?” Let’s not argue the Truth… Let’s lead people to the Truth and let them discover it for themselves… I bet it will last longer.
Until next time.
