Humbling Thought: Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Believing this and living this is life-shaking but it's not worth arguing over
We love a good argument, don’t we?
Conflict makes for great reality TV and gripping stories. Conflict and debate is a way of life. Just look at this list of items creating conflict:
politics
sports teams
parenting approaches
religion
children vs parents or vice-versa
beach or mountains as best getaway spots
Gas-powered or EV only?
Have I forgotten anything?
What about arguing or debating our faith?
I’m all for stating what we believe, but arguing our beliefs or debating those beliefs should be done carefully.
This thought just hit me today.
Let’s say the topic of God comes up and a friend says, “All religions are basically the same and they all lead to God.”
And you counterpoint with, “No, way.” And you recite John 14:6. “Jesus told Thomas, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
“Nuh uh,” says your friend. “Not so.”
“It is so.” You’re emphatic. And you clench your fists. And grit your teeth. I hope not.
Don’t argue it like you’re arguing over who will win the World Series or whether it’s good to carbo-load before running a marathon.
Christ’s truth doesn’t depend on whether or not we win an argument.
Yes, we want to state the truth.
But if you believe that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life and you’ve embraced him for taking God’s wrath on himself so you’re not judged, then your attitude should be incredible humility.
Jesus proclaimed a worldview-shaking statement at that moment (and throughout the gospels, of course).
And it has such profound implications that the truth should shake us so we respond with, “Listen, I can understand how feel. I won’t argue with you but would you like me to share why I believe as I do?”
If the answer is, “Sure. Tell me.” Explain simply and briefly why you believe Christ died for our sins and rose again.
Answer any additional questions.
If the answer is, “No, I don’t want to hear about it” then don’t say anything to them. Pray quietly and later when you’re alone.
Now, who’s going to win the World Series this year?
And I’ve heard it’s not always good to carbo-load before a marathon. It hurt me during a race in high school but that’s another story for another time.
Remember, “A soft answer turns away wrath. But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1.