Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.  I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war! – Psalm 120:6-7 (ESV)

Being a Christian in this world isn’t always easy.  Talking about your faith, and your Savior, can be even tougher.

I recently watched Billy Graham’s My Hope, his latest (and, presumably, last) message.  In it, the comment was made – and it’s a comment I’ve heard before and I’m sure you have to – that people are generally ok when one mentions God.  But, the minute you bring Jesus into the conversation… suddenly your talk has become offensive.

You see, it is one thing to talk of God in abstract terms.  Most people can accept that there must be a Higher Power Who created the world and the universe and all nature around us.  Even scientists acknowledge the existence of “intelligent design” (hence an Intelligent Designer).

But, once Jesus enters the conversation, things change.  The grand professions and ideas and theories of who this nebulous “God” must be now has a face.  A voice.  Flesh and bone.

And when one looks at Jesus and says, “Hey!  My God doesn’t look like that”, let the trouble begin.

You see, one cannot truly look upon Jesus without facing some absolute truths.  One thing Jesus never did was equivocate.  He walked this earth speaking truth and a lot of folks didn’t like it.  His truth wrecked their ideas and ideals.  “It’s the way we’ve always done it” was no longer an acceptable answer.

He faced sinners where they were and turned their lives around (and upside down).

He faced the religiously rigid and exposed their hypocrisy.

He faced the world and spoke truth.  “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32, ESV).  The world does not stand for truth.  Nor can it stand against it. 

And when the sinful world is confronted by the pure, undefiled Truth, all the dirty ick of this world – the shameful acts, the selfish ambition, the painful consequences of sin – are exposed, laid bare to those who choose to see through the eyes of Truth. 

And the world gets offended, because it’s money tables get up-ended.  The human ideals are discredited.  The notion of sliding truth (“what’s true for me may not be true for you”) solidifies and becomes absolute (and absolutely definable).  Truth leads to life, not an imitation thereof.  The world’s ways – sin – lead only to death.

And if you are looking for Truth, look no farther than Jesus Christ.  God’s Truth – the only absolute Truth there is – is right there in His Word.  Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). 

Take heart.  If you face opposition in your stand for Christ, you are not alone.  Don’t be afraid to introduce Jesus into the conversation.  Be bold for God!  Remember… when you proclaim the Truth of Jesus Christ to the world, you have the full backing of Truth behind you.  Let the scoffers scoff and the mockers mock.  Sometimes people will hear what Jesus has to say.  And sometimes you just have to walk away, shaking the dust from your sandals as you go.

© 2013 by Chris Courtney.  All rights reserved.  Please feel free to share this message with anyone who might be blessed by it.  Please visit https://bouvillediarist.wordpress.com/ for more encouragement.