Your Way, Your Truth and Your Life
Today, we are drowning in a sea of advice and quick fixes. Society incessantly pushes us to "Just do it!" or to live by the mantra "YOLO." Bookstores have titles that promise solutions to life’s complexities in ten easy steps. The rise of social media influencers has only magnified this phenomenon, encouraging us to consume whatever they offer without question or hesitation.
Secularism, the prevailing worldview of our time, teaches that all paths are valid. As long as one is not harming anyone—under the ever-flexible definitions of ‘harm’ and ‘person’—people are encouraged to live however they please. In this environment, absolute truth is discarded, replaced by a relativistic notion of ‘personal truth,’ where individuals determine what is right for themselves.
As Christians, we are called to turn to the Word of God for advice and inspiration. In Scripture, we find the true path to spiritual richness. As St. Paul describes in Romans 1:22, modern man is "professing to be wise; they became fools." Society encourages us to rely on human wisdom and knowledge, neglecting the teachings of Jesus and Scripture on the nature of truth.
This study delves into John 14:6, one of Jesus’s cornerstone statements during His earthly ministry. This verse directly challenges the modern world’s views on the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
“Oh Lord God, King of the Universe, Maker of the Heavens and the Earth, turn Your face toward us as we examine the words of Jesus and their impact on our lives. Although the world protests against what we know as truth, we remain steadfast in Your Word and Your Life. The world may ask, "What is truth?" but we know it is Your voice, and ultimately it is You, God, who is the Truth we seek. Breathe life into us as You breathed life into the dust of the earth to create Adam, and allow Your Holy Spirit to draw us into Your wisdom now and forevermore. Amen.”
Our study begins by examining the opening verses of John 14, focusing specifically on verses 6 and 7. In these verses, Jesus speaks to His disciples, offering them comfort about His impending departure and death:
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.'” (John 14:6-7)
What worldly advice is most invasive in your life? What ideas of society do you think are pushed onto it’ |
What key verses can you relay to oppose the world’s advice? |
Unfortunately, the world is divided between those with a physical orientation and those with a spiritual one. Some people embrace belief in the supernatural, while others reject it entirely.
For those with a physical orientation, this life is all that exists. They view life as a series of accidents and genetic mutations over billions of years, leading to what they perceive as consciousness. Their worldview is driven by desires and senses because, without belief in a higher power, there is no external motivation beyond personal satisfaction. The noblest among them perform good deeds, not out of divine calling but out of a desire for worldly recognition, self-gratification, or deep inward-oriented desire. They reject the spiritual realm, leaving themselves prey to their base desires. Their way is illuminated only by what is convenient for them, leading to the ultimate fate of the pragmatic.
For the spiritually minded, the battle is different but no less challenging. Unlike those with a purely physical orientation, who may be preoccupied with material desires and worldly achievements, spiritually inclined individuals often face an internal struggle against the allure of idols and personal desires. This struggle can harden the heart, leading to spiritual stagnation or even regression, making the journey toward truth and divine connection fraught with challenges.
One of the primary temptations for the spiritually inclined is Eastern mysticism, which encompasses beliefs such as pantheism—the idea that everything is God—and polytheism—the belief in multiple gods. These belief systems present abstract truths that can be captivating, offering a sense of connection to the universe at large. However, the very nature of these abstract truths makes them difficult to fully grasp or apply concretely. While their broad approach to spirituality might seem appealing, it can also lead to confusion and a dilution of spiritual focus. While seemingly enriching, this inclusivity lacks the clarity and direction in available to us as Christians. The ability to communicate with God is much easier to access when there is a canonised collection of His Word available to us; meanwhile, there is no consensus on the canon of Mahayana Buddism, for instance.
Omnism, the belief in the validity of all religions and the idea behind the ‘coexist’ bumper sticker is a contemporary manifestation of this inclusivity and is symbolised by the popular “coexist” bumper sticker, which promotes harmony among different religious beliefs. While the intention behind omnism is noble, aiming to foster peace and understanding among diverse faiths, it is fundamentally flawed. The central issue with omnism lies in the inherent contradiction of attempting to embrace all religious systems simultaneously. Many religions hold mutually exclusive beliefs, particularly regarding the nature of God, salvation, and the afterlife. For instance, Christianity teaches that Jesus is the only way to God, Islam asserts that Muhammad is the final prophet, and Hinduism offers multiple paths to the divine. To claim allegiance to all these beliefs simultaneously creates cognitive dissonance, as one cannot logically reconcile these divergent doctrines without compromising the integrity of each. Simply put, asking someone to logically explain these beliefs will lead to word salad and a chaotic response.
This cognitive dissonance is further highlighted by the notion that one can follow both Jesus and Muhammad simultaneously. The reality is that both Christianity and Islam make exclusive truth claims that can only be harmonised with distorting the core teachings of each. Those who claim to follow both either deceive themselves or intentionally mislead others. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters," emphasising the necessity of spiritual commitment and clarity. Serving two masters, whether different deities or conflicting belief systems, leads to divided loyalties and ultimately prevents one from fully committing to any single truth.
Therefore, the spiritually minded must navigate these challenges with discernment. Syncretism, the blending of different religious beliefs, is rejected because it dilutes the pursuit of truth. Instead, a focused and committed spiritual path is advocated—one that acknowledges the limitations of human understanding but strives for coherence and integrity in belief. This path may be narrower and more demanding. Still, it promises a deeper and more authentic connection with the divine, free from the contradictions and compromises that plague more inclusive but less defined spiritual approaches.
Understanding why people choose these worldviews instead of coming to the light of Christ can help us reach them more effectively.
Our relationship with God in adulthood is often influenced by upbringing. Those who were abused or neglected by their earthly father may struggle to accept a Heavenly Father who loves them. Early childhood trauma and life’s hardships might lead them to believe that God doesn’t care about them or that He doesn’t exist at all.
The ideas they cling to are often shaped by their current mental state. If someone believes that God will judge them harshly and condemn them to eternal suffering—a belief that may stem from childhood and church abuse they suffered—they might find comfort in the idea that there is no Judgment or afterlife. Believing in no ultimate right and wrong is considered liberating, but it’s another step away from God. Romans 1:21 reflects this reality: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Consider the “coexist” bumper sticker. Imagine someone who tattoos an Egyptian Ankh, a Christian Cross, the Islamic Crescent, and a Yin/Yang symbol on their body. They joke that they can claim allegiance to whatever is true when they reach the afterlife. This joke reflects the flawed belief behind the coexist sticker—that by acknowledging all paths, they’re covering their bases. They falsely believe that the words of 2 Timothy 2:19, "The Lord knows those who are His," will apply to them because of some lip service or righteous deeds they performed in this life. However, Matthew 7:21-23 warns us that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven.
Those who are physically minded have traded away the natural revelation of God's creation for their limited wisdom. The idea that "everyone is right" seems appealing on the surface, but this belief is often tested and found lacking when the individual who holds it becomes a victim or faces adversity. In such moments, the convenience of moral relativism quickly collapses. The notion that "anything goes" only holds appeal when one benefits from it, but it becomes deeply unsatisfying and unjust when others apply it back to them.
This worldview underpins movements like communism and Marxism, which are rooted in the idea that no one should own anything, an idea that gains popularity among the disenfranchised and propertyless. However, history repeatedly demonstrates that those who rise to power in such systems often exploit their newfound resources and wealth, altering the system to serve their interests. The narrative of oppression and the call to overthrow the oppressor is seductive, mainly because it simplifies complex human relationships into a binary of oppressed versus oppressor. This dichotomy fosters resentment and entices the oppressed with the promise of becoming the oppressor, a cycle of vengeance rather than true justice or reconciliation.
What are the main differences between the physically and the spiritually minded? What impact do these differences have on their worldviews and perspectives? |
What mental gymnastics are required to adhere to the ‘coexist’ bumper stickers ideal? Can one believe in the Hindu God of Destruction and Death, Kali, and also be a follower of Mohammed? Are the Buddist concepts of emptiness, known as Śūnyatā, compatible with the Christian idea of the soul? |
What are some beliefs we still hold onto that aren’t logically compatible with Christ and His Truth? How can we investigate these beliefs and correct them towards Christ’s truth? |
Unlike the world, Jesus was unequivocal about what constitutes the correct way of living. He did not leave room for ambiguity or relativism. Initially, early Christians were known as followers of "The Way." When Christianity began as a sect within Judaism, this term was used to describe their faith, as seen in Acts 9:2 and 18:24-25. This label reflects their deep understanding of the significance of Jesus calling Himself "The Way." In the contemporary Jewish context, "The Way" was a well-understood concept, informed by Proverbs 22:6, which instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." They were also warned about the dangers of false paths, as Proverbs 14:12 cautions, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Even if not understood as a personification of the correct path, the Way was understood by the Jews of Jesus’ time.
It was clear to the early believers that life presents multiple paths, but not all lead to truth or life. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus speaks of roads rather than explicitly using the word "way," but the message is the same: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
This passage offers wisdom and confirmation that there are correct and incorrect ways to live. The world may offer many choices and freedoms, but true freedom is found only in following the narrow path that leads to life. As believers, we must remain vigilant and discerning, always seeking the truth revealed in God’s Word.
In our interactions with the world, we frequently encounter the phrase "Live your truth." This famous slogan encapsulates the world's rejection of objective truth and its embrace of relativism. A book published in 2013, bearing this tagline as its title, encourages readers to “make a conscious commitment to figuring out what we stand for—finding our truth. It begins by looking inside ourselves because when it rises from within, we have no choice but to express it, to live it.” However, as Christians, we are reminded by Jeremiah 17:9 that “the heart is deceitful above all things.”
The world constantly tells us to “follow your heart,” promoting the idea that our emotions and personal desires are the ultimate guide to life. Yet Scripture warns us of the fallibility of the human heart and its tendency toward self-deception. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
When Jesus declares He is "The Truth," He challenges the notion that truth is subjective or changeable. In a world where truth is often treated as a matter of personal preference, Jesus presents an unchanging, objective truth in His teachings and personhood. John 1:14 tells us that Jesus came "full of grace and truth." His truth is not one option among many; it is the foundational truth upon which all reality is based. Paul instructs us of this in the opening of his letter to the Colossians, 1:16-17, “ 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
The truth of Jesus cannot be molded to fit our desires or circumstances. It stands firm, regardless of cultural shifts or personal opinions. As believers, we are called to align our lives with this truth, even when it is inconvenient or countercultural, especially when pressured against doing so. Jesus's statement in John 8:32, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," underscores the liberating power of truth. In a world enslaved by lies and deception, the truth of Jesus offers genuine freedom.
How does John 8:32 challenge the world’s “Live your truth”? |
Why does the world reject the idea of a singular truth in favour of their ‘everyone is right’ mentality? |
Finally, Jesus declares that He is "The Life." This statement goes beyond physical existence to encompass spiritual vitality and eternal life. The life Jesus offers starts in the here and now, transforming our current existence and extending into eternity. It is a life rooted in a deep, personal relationship with Him, a life that reshapes our identity, values, and purpose. As Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,
The life Jesus offers contrasts sharply with the life the world promotes. The world often equates life with material success, pleasure, and self-fulfilment. While enticing, these pursuits often leave us feeling empty and fulfilled. The world's definition of life is ultimately transient, dependent on circumstances, and incapable of addressing the deeper longings of the human soul.
In contrast, Jesus offers a life that is both abundant and eternal. This life is not measured by material possessions or temporal achievements but by the richness of our relationship with God and the eternal impact of our actions. In John 10:10, Jesus contrasts His life-giving mission with the destructive intentions of the thief: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This abundant life is marked by peace, joy, love, and a sense of purpose that transcends the world's fleeting pleasures. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit—”love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”—as characteristics of this life in Christ.
However, embracing the life that Jesus offers requires a profound transformation—a death to our old selves and a rebirth in Him. This profound, inward transformation touches every aspect of our being. It involves surrendering our desires, ambitions and lives to His will. This process, often called "dying to self," is challenging and countercultural. Jesus calls us to this transformation in Luke 9:23-24: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." It requires us to let go of the self-centred pursuits that the world celebrates and to embrace a life centred on Christ and His purposes.
Yet, in this surrender, we find true life—a life that is rich in meaning, purpose, and eternal significance. As we let go of our old ways and embrace the life that Jesus offers, we discover a more profound sense of fulfilment and joy that the world cannot provide. This life is not free from challenges, but it is filled with peace and assurance from knowing we are walking in God's will and that our lives have eternal value. Jesus assures us in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." The transformation Jesus offers is not just about changing our behaviour; it is about renewing our minds, healing our hearts, and aligning our entire lives with God's truth and purposes, as Romans 12:2 instructs: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
This new life in Christ is a life of continual growth and renewal. It is a journey of becoming more like Him, of growing in love and grace. As we walk this way, we are continually being transformed into His image, experiencing the fullness of life He intended for us. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This is the life that Jesus offers—a life that is not only abundant in the present but also anchored in the hope of eternal life with Him, as promised in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
In a world that often leaves us searching for meaning and purpose, the life that Jesus offers stands as a beacon of hope and truth. It calls us to something greater than ourselves, a life that is truly worth living—a life that glorifies God and impacts eternity.
Contrast the life the world offers with a life in Christ. |
Why do people reject a life in Christ for one in the world? |
In the face of a world that relentlessly pushes material consumption and temporary happiness, the call of Christ stands in stark contrast. Jesus invites us to “come and see,” offering not fleeting pleasure but the promise of eternal life in the Father’s house with many rooms. As believers, our hearts are not swayed by the physical desires that dominate the world's mindset. We recognise the infinite value of the human soul, a masterpiece crafted by its Creator, and choose to place our treasure where neither moth nor thief can corrupt.
The allure of false religions and pseudo-spiritualities can often tempt those of us who seek more profound meaning, especially when our faith wavers. The notion of coexistence, while seemingly noble, presents a dangerous compromise that can lead to spiritual confusion and a weakening of our commitment to the truth found in Christ alone. One day, all will be revealed, and the truth of God’s Word will stand firm, regardless of human opinion or approval.
In this context, our response must be clear and unwavering. We must reject the world's enticing yet empty promises and myriad false paths, instead embracing the narrow way that leads to life. It is not an easy road, but it is one paved with the assurance of eternal joy and fulfilment in the presence of God. Therefore, let us stand firm in our faith, drawing from the wellspring of truth found in Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
“Bless us oh Lord, our God, the Living God who reigns over all Creation! Illuminate our way so that we might know The Way in Your Son, Jesus Christ, and bless us with wisdom so that we can see Him as The Truth to live a life worthy of calling the Life. As we grow in our walk with The Lord Christ, gaining qualities such as love, joy and peace, may we continue to acknowledge Your Word as the foundation of our understanding of Your complexities and press us into a more and more intimate relationship with Your Son. We call on the Name Above All Names, Jesus when we ask these things. Amen.”
©2024 Able Arc Ministries
All artwork © Emily Eastman.
Visit us at ablearcministries.org for more bible studies, devotionals, video messages, and other encouragements for your walk with Christ. @ablearcministries on all social media.Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
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