When Jesus was before Pilate, Pilate posed this question to Jesus: "What is truth?" (John 18:38) In another passage, Jesus had told His disciples the answer to that question: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
Truth seems to be a hot commodity these days. At least, in name. Politicians, media, and the talk show hosts all proclaim to have the truth for our society. The truth for our world. They promise that their version of the truth is "the truth." Of course, when there are contradictions between them all, it is sometimes hard to discern what the REAL truth is!
I find this to be true among Christians as well. We are all supposed to believe the same things: that Christ was born of a virgin, grew in grace and wisdom, preached and taught and healed as a Man, died on the cross, and rose again from the dead. And, I think for the most part, we all do believe this. However, when it comes to issues beyond those basics, the truth seems to become a bit muddied.
After the basics, many Christians seem to think anything not specifically covered in Scripture is "up for grabs." They become cafeteria Christians, picking and choosing the things they want to believe or reject. If it doesn't jive with their personal situation, then they put their own spin on it...because, you know, God is a God of love and would never expect too much of us.
This has really been on my mind over the past few days and months, especially during the election. As a Catholic, I was particularly bothered by many public figures who claim to be Catholic, yet choose to reject teachings of the Catholic church. Sorry, guys (and gals!). This isn't a buffet line! It's an all-or-nothing line! You can't choose to profess only those things which make you popular (or don't detract from your popularity in some way), and then choose to ignore or outright reject those things which make you uncomfortable or unpopular. God isn't impressed by the polls. His truth stands, no matter what our society says.
So there is my rambling for this day. My thought for this day in the journey.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who
believed Him, “If you abide in My
word, you are My disciples indeed.
And you shall know the truth, and
the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31, 32)
3 comments:
The is a post after my own heart. Absolutely wonderful.
My favorite line?
"They become cafeteria Christians, picking and choosing the things they want to believe or reject", how simply you stated the truth. This hot/cold behavoir is not pleasing to God.
I totally agree with this post.
He is Truth..living and breathing. Merry Christmas to you and your Joni!
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