What are the things in your life worth fighting for? In the book of Jude, Jesus’ half brother writes to believers to urge them to fight against an invasion of lies that were invading the church. Jude knew that Christians had to be ready to do battle against unbiblical teaching in order to keep the church pure.
This warning is just as relevant today as mainline churches dilute Biblical Truth to make it more appealing, user friendly, and comfortable. Sin is defined as a ‘lifestyle choice’ and those who cling to God’s Truth are labeled intolerant. However, only God’s truth is valid, offering eternal life and giving one the power to live life victoriously now.
To be effective against false teaching, you must first know and believe the Truth. Stop and take a moment to read Jude 1:1-24.
God is the author and source of all truth. Some churches, however, are flying the banner of man-made theology and it is attracting hordes of people by blurring the lines of truth. The message is intentionally kept ambiguous in order not to alienate anyone who might find Biblical teachings challenging or counter to their lifestyle. This new version of the church is adapting the Christian faith to culture instead of calling the culture to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God does not tolerate creative tampering with His truth. There is no truth but His truth.
There are no small exceptions to Biblical Truth. The consequence of tolerating ‘small exceptions’ to the Truth is eventual and complete departure from the Truth. A half-truth is a lie. Downplaying God’s Truth to appeal to unbelievers has eternal consequences.
Truth is objective not subjective. Truth is absolute and not a sliding scale. The truth is not open to be redefined to make it more winsome to new believers. The truth may not seem politically correct because it does not tell people who cling to false versions of the truth that they are safe in believing lies. Truth is not trendy. It is not your job to make the truth easier or more attractive. It is your job to love people by remaining faithful to the Truth; the Holy Spirit will do the rest.
The ultimate Truth that cannot be compromised is that Jesus is our eternal hope. There are not many paths to God. There is only one and that is through Jesus Christ, God’s son, who died for us. Jesus himself told us in John 14:6: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This truth is unequivocal, unambiguous, and unavoidable.
Have you ever been made to feel intolerant or unloving because you held fast to this truth? You are not alone. If you contend for the faith by lovingly telling others the undiluted truth they need, you may face criticism. What are you willing to endure in order to share truth with others in your workplace or neighborhood? Have you ever experienced rejection when you have tried to share the truth with someone?
Pray for the ability to understand and defend the truth. Ask God for discernment and for wisdom to live by His truth in a secular world.
Verse: John 14:6: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.
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