Why Jesus Is the Real Deal
You know that bumper sticker with “Coexist” spelled out using different religious symbols? It’s everywhere! I’ve seen it countless times, and maybe you have too. It’s been around since the early 2000s, even getting some rockstar approval from Bono during U2’s tour back in the day. The idea behind it is pretty clear: we should all live together in peace, despite our different beliefs. And hey, that sounds great, right? But here’s where it gets interesting for us Christians—while peaceful coexistence is definitely something to strive for, it’s crucial to understand that not all religions point to the same truth. In fact, many of them make conflicting claims. So, let’s dive into what makes Christianity distinct, especially when it comes to the nature of truth.
In today’s world, there’s this popular idea that truth is relative. You’ve probably heard it before: “What’s true for you isn’t necessarily true for me.” It’s like saying, “You do you,” but applied to beliefs about everything, including spirituality. Some people think that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as it makes you happy. But as Christians, we believe in absolute truth—truth that doesn’t change based on opinions or cultural trends. The Bible, God’s Word, is the source of this unchanging truth. It tells us who Jesus is, what He did for us, and how we’re supposed to live. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Notice He didn’t say “a way” or “a truth,” but the way and the truth. That’s a bold claim, and it’s central to our faith.
Think about it this way: imagine you’ve just built your dream house. It’s perfect, with beautiful architecture and everything you’ve ever wanted. But then, you notice something’s off—the walls are cracking, and the whole house seems to be leaning. Upon checking, you find out the foundation was poorly built. How disappointing, right? In the same way, our lives need a solid foundation, and that foundation is the absolute truth of God’s Word. Without it, everything else—our beliefs, values, and decisions—will eventually crumble. It’s not just about having a set of beliefs; it’s about having the right ones, based on the solid rock of Christ.
Now, let’s talk about the church. The Apostle Paul describes the church as the “pillar and foundation of the truth” in his letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:15). This isn’t just a fancy metaphor; it tells us something fundamental about our role as believers. The church, which includes all of us who follow Jesus, is meant to uphold and proclaim the truth of the gospel to the world. It’s like we’re all tuning forks set to the same pitch—Jesus. When we’re all in tune with Him, we’re in harmony with each other, not because we’re identical but because we’re aligned with the same truth. A.W. Tozer put it nicely when he said, “Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other?” It’s Jesus who unites us, not our own efforts or similarities.
Living out this truth involves more than just knowing it—it’s about practicing it. Jesus described His followers as the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Our lives should reflect the truth we profess. This means not just talking about our faith but living it out in practical, everyday ways. It could be something as simple as offering a kind word, helping a neighbor, or being there for a friend in need. It’s about showing Christ’s love in tangible ways. People notice when we practice what we preach. They see the consistency between our words and actions, and that speaks volumes. It’s not just about being right; it’s about being real.
We also have a responsibility to protect the truth. While God’s truth will endure forever, we’re called to stand up against false teachings and distortions of the gospel. Paul advised Timothy to “correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). This doesn’t mean we go around picking fights, but it does mean we’re ready to speak up when the truth is being compromised. It’s about being loving and firm, willing to have those tough conversations when needed. Defending the truth is part of our witness to the world, showing that we stand for something unchanging and eternal.
So, where do we go from here? It all comes down to embracing the absolute truth of Christ in our own lives. In a world that often shifts with cultural tides, we need to anchor ourselves in the unchanging Word of God. This truth isn’t just a set of doctrines; it’s a person—Jesus Christ. Let’s commit to living out this truth daily, sharing it with others, and standing firm in it, even when it’s countercultural. The truth of the gospel has the power to transform lives, starting with ours. So, let’s be that light in the world, shining brightly and pointing others to the solid foundation we’ve found in Christ.
Steve Poe
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