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When Being Right Isn't Enough: Speaking the Truth in Love February 2,
2009 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ (Ephesians 4:15). When being “right” is wrong As Apostolics, we believe we have the truth. The distinctive doctrinal cornerstones of the Apostolic faith many times stand in stark contrast to those of mainstream Christianity. But we are a “peculiar people,” a “royal priesthood” (I Peter 2:9), and we are taught to hold our heads up, despite our differences. Some might even call them oddities or aberrations. But no matter--God has revealed His truth to us! We're right, those who don't believe as we do are wrong (supposedly), and many of us pride ourselves because of our rightness. This pride, however, is wrong. As Apostolics, I believe we should be thankful for the revelations of God's Word. As Apostolics, we are charged to share the revelations of God's Word with others--knowing the truth, enjoying the freedom of it, and sharing it is integral to the Christian life. But what concerns me is when we share it from a posture of superiority. I say it's not enough to be the possessor of truth. It's not enough to be right. How can we be effective witnesses when we start from a position of pride? No one deserves derision I wouldn't be writing for this webzine or attending the church I attend if I believed “all roads lead to the same place.” I believe in the authority of God's Word, and I believe that Jesus Christ is the only Way. However, being convinced of my convictions does not give me license to belittle those of others. Trinitarians are confused tritheists. Confessing Jesus as your personal savior is hogwash. Jews are sure gonna be surprised when Jesus comes back. Mormonism is a twisted cult. Catholics are crazy if they think Mary was a Virgin her whole life--Jesus had brothers! Buddha was just another man--what's the big deal? Islam is by definition a violent religion. Maybe these thoughts run through your mind. Maybe you've even heard them across a pulpit. But I can guarantee that if you wanted to share your faith with someone else whose faith you hold in derision, you will fail. Furthermore, how can we, as people whose faith is also many times labeled as a cult (or worse) by others, fathom using the same rhetoric to assert ourselves? Acknowledgment does not equal agreement I believe that God leads people to Him. No man can come unto Him except He draw them unto Him (John 6:44). Acknowledging people where they are in their walk with God does not mean that you agree with them, that you are lowering your standards, or laying aside your own faith. It simply signals that you are open to dialogue. And perhaps, in showing humility and attempting to understand them, they will open themselves up to you. Starting from the premise that someone who doesn't believe what you do is wrong and that your duty is to prove that you are right is so twentieth century. If someone doesn't have the same revelation you have or is at a different place in their walk with God, are they wrong? Are their beliefs devoid of any truth whatsoever? Our goal shouldn't be to discredit people's experiences. It should be to add to them, and open them up to the most fulfilling experiences that we hold dear. Speak the truth in love If you know the truth, you have been made free. We should feel free to share truth with others with boldness like the apostles in Acts (Acts 4:31). But boldness does not mean in condescension. We can be frank and confident without being prideful or belittling. We can allow ourselves to learn from others and not assume that we have a corner on truth. Lastly, but certainly not least, we can speak the truth in love. The greatest commandment is not “prove thyself right to all men.” It's to love--God first, then others as yourself (Matt 22:38). © 2009, Chantell Smith ----- Chantell Smith is in her last semester of graduate school at Auburn University. She sheepishly smiles and awkwardly changes the subject when someone asks, “So, what are you going to do after you graduate?” |
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