The Battle for Moral Truth

The battles we face today are fact versus feeling, reality versus idealism and truth versus lies. – Clint Decker

A university student once listened to his professor give an unplanned lecture on why God does not exist, then afterwards he asked the students to write a paper on the question, “Does God exist?” The Christian student felt if he wrote a dissenting viewpoint, it could cost him a good grade. (Image by Unsplash)

An employee was working late one night when he witnessed his manager swipe some cash from the company safe. The manager spotted him, then instructed him to keep quiet about it. The next morning when the owner discovered the cash was missing, he told employees to come forward with any information. The employee wrestled with what to do, feeling he could not betray his boss who had been so good to him.

A young woman was asked out for a date by a charming and handsome young man. As the evening progressed, she felt such a connection with him, feeling like he was the perfect guy. While they were having conversation during dinner though, she noticed how he asked their server for his third beer. She knew about the dangers of alcohol all too well, as she had dealt with alcohol abuse in her family.

A pastor was once asked to share a message on what the Bible says about abortion. However, he knew there were at least two women in the congregation who had abortions and was concerned how they might feel about such a message.

The battle for moral truth is a war zone, and it becomes intensified when the truth conflicts with our feelings for others. The battles are fact versus feeling, reality versus idealism and truth versus lies. These struggles are the grounds for building a life of courage or ruining a life because of cowardice.

Jesus is our prime example for learning how to courageously stand for truth under fire.

Once some religious leaders approached Jesus to ask Him an accusatory question, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” (Matthew 15:2) To which Jesus immediately turned the tables and asked them, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matt. 15:3) It was more of a rhetorical question, as Jesus did not give them an opportunity to answer. Instead, He publicly charged them in a bold rebuke saying, “…you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites!” (Matt. 15:6,7)

It was such a startling and concerning exchange that the disciples approached Jesus privately and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” (Matt. 15:12) How did Jesus respond to the concerns of His disciples? He did not back down or apologize at all. Rather he stated, “Leave them; they are blind guides.” (Matt. 15:14)

The charge the disciples made toward Jesus was serious. They were saying He was being a spiritual stumbling block to the religious leader’s relationship with God. Their question revealed how they had a greater concern for the Pharisees than for the truth of Jesus. This is the problem with our culture. We have equated feelings to the same level as truth, and if the truth is offensive to others we might go so far as to reinterpret the Bible to our liking, or just ignore it all together.

When we are not honest with people and dance around the truth, it is the greatest disservice we could ever do toward someone. Even though we may have avoided conflict, we have put their life and soul in jeopardy.

Conversely, when we speak the truth, is the most kind, gracious, humble, loving and compassionate thing you could ever do for someone in the eyes of God, regardless of their response and regardless of what happens to you.

Jesus once said, “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” (Luke 7:23)

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will help us to be more concerned about the souls of others, than the feelings of others. Help us to never fear speaking your holy truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.