Nov
14
Be True
Filed Under Devotional
I don’t have a vast vocabulary, but I like to think mine is reasonably large. I’ve learned over the years how valuable it is to have just the right word for the situation. This is why it annoys me to no end when the culture begins to redefine words. The word “tolerance” has been hijacked.
To tolerate someone used to mean that you would be civil and not impede them in their actions and beliefs. Nowadays, it is expected that if you claim to be tolerant, you actually accept the beliefs of others to be equally valid to your own. When you express disagreement you are said to be intolerant. Being tolerant sounds lovely and peaceful until you think for a minute and realize that it’s illogical and silly. How can contradicting beliefs all be true?
You see this silliness on display when public figures say things like, “My faith works for me.” The implication is that there are other options that may work for other people. Sorry, truth doesn’t allow itself to be bent like that. Something is either absolutely true or it isn’t. There is no maybe when it comes to issues of God and Jesus.
“Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.” Psalm 31:5
“I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.” Psalm 119:30
I count thirty instances of Jesus saying, “I tell you the truth,” in the Gospel of Matthew alone.
Jesus is THE truth. You cannot politely claim that the beliefs of others are just as valid as yours. They are not. Either you are right and others are wrong or vice-versa.
You should simply explain why you believe that Jesus is the only way, but do NOT imply that Jesus is one option among many. You are not proclaiming the Jesus of the Bible and you are not proclaiming the truth.
Stay true.