By Spencer Clark
In today’s world, Scriptural truth and biblical faith have become less tolerated than it once was. Religious and areligious alike challenge us for our “traditional” beliefs that are out ofstep with modern society. Although Jesus was not accused of being a “traditionalist,” he was challenged on his teachings and authority from the religious people of his day.
During his final days in Jerusalem, members of the Sanhedrin (Jewish Council) approached Jesus to inquire about the source of his authority. In response, Jesus asked them if John’s baptism came from heaven or from man. The Sanhedrin debated among themselves and realized if they said, “from heaven” they would be chastised for not believing John. If they denied the heavenly source of John’s baptism, they faced opposition from the people. Both options placed their reputation, influence, and power at risk. Instead, they chose to dodge the question entirely by falsely answering, “We don’t know.”
If someone today were to challenge you on a controversial question, how would you answer? Will you dodge the question or try to smooth it to please men? Or will you speak the truth in love, despite whatever consequences may come of it? Will you cast doubt on the authority of Scripture and instead suggest the Word of God needs to change with the times, or will you hold fast to the unchanging truth of the Gospel? Will you fear those who can kill the body, or fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matt. 10:28)?
Paul said that if he was still trying to please man, he would not be a servant of Christ (Gal.1:10). Such a person presents a gospel with “words of flattery” or as a “pretext for greed” so that we might obtain “glory from men” (1 Thess. 2:4-6). Rather, we should aim to please “God who tests our hearts” (2:4). So when our friend, family member, or co-worker asks us what the truth of the matter really is — what will we say?