Another Gospel?: 5 Days to a Firm Faithনমুনা

 Why are you a Christian?  

Are you a Christian because you were born into it? Because it works for you? Because you had some kind of transcendent experience with God? Because you feel it deep in your heart? Because becoming a Christian made you more patient, kind, or joyful?

Although these are some of the reasons many Christians offer to the question above, they could easily be the same answers given to questions like “Why are you a Muslim?” or “Why are you a Jehovah’s Witness?” “A Mormon?” “A New Ager?” Considering that Christianity stands or falls based on the resurrection of Jesus being an actual historical event, these answers won’t suffice. In other words, there is no “my truth” when it comes to God.

When I have doubts about my faith, I don’t have the luxury of finding “my truth” because I am committed to the truth. I want my worldview (the lens through which I see the world) to line up with reality. God either exists, or he doesn’t. The Bible is his Word, or it’s not. Jesus was raised from the dead, or he wasn’t. Christianity is true, or it isn’t.

For many people today, determining what is true in all areas of life has become nothing more than a game of, “he said, she said.” For example, I just googled “health benefits of pork” (because bacon), and I discovered all kinds of fun “facts.” I discovered that pork is high in protein, low in carbs, and gluten-free. I also read an article that claimed pork gives you healthier skin and promotes heavy metal detox.

Obviously, what I gleaned in a five-minute Google search is a mix of facts and fantasy. But if “my truth” says pork is the new kale, my feelings about bacon won’t change what it’s doing to my heart, my blood pressure, and my thighs. This is why “my truth” is a myth. Bacon is either good for me, or it’s not (or it’s somewhere in between, please God!). And what I believe about it can have life or death consequences.

As I navigated through my faith crisis, I realized I couldn’t allow truth to be sacrificed on the altar of my feelings. I can’t allow my fear of offending others to prevent me from proclaiming the gospel—truth matters for bacon eaters, and truth matters for Christians. Put simply, I’m not a Christian because it makes me feel good (sometimes it does not), or because it changed my life (although it has), or because it works for me (often it doesn’t). I’m a Christian because it’s true.

As we seek truth, let’s pray Psalm 119:17-18:

Father,

Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Amen