How to Be Hated in 3 Simple Steps — Tuesday
John 14:6
…“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (NLT)
For my brother and I growing up, the grocery store check-out line looked a little different for us than it did for some kids. There was no begging, no pleading. No tantrums or wailing while mom or dad patiently wiped our tears and said, “Now Johnny, you only get one…”
In fact, anytime my dad observed one of these parents hostage-negotiating with their little terrors in the candy aisle, he’d usually take the opportunity to look over at us and say with a smile, “Don’t worry, boys—you only get zero!”
Great joke, Dad. Never gets old.
Don’t worry, I’m not sharing any thoughts on parenting today (nor am I even qualified to). But what I can’t help but notice is that when it comes to their own spiritual journey, many adults in my generation have grown up with the same “shopping cart mentality” about their faith as they had about candy when they were toddlers.
“I was raised Christian, but I’m also deeply rooted in the tenets of Islam.” Interesting combination. “I love Jesus, but I also really love my crystals.” Sounds like you love one a lot more than the other. “I vibe with Christianity, but I believe there are many ways to know God and that ALL of us will eventually be with Him someday.” Sounds like somebody doesn’t like being told “no.”
These are just some of the many different worldviews that have been thrown my direction from unbelievers.
Yes, you read that correctly. Unbelievers. Those who believe that there are many different paths to heaven, and that each of us just need to choose the one(s) we resonate with the most—a viewpoint that, by the way, directly contradicts the message of Christianity.
This way of thinking may have worked on some people’s parents in the grocery store, but here’s the thing: According to Jesus, our Heavenly Father looks at you and me and says, “You can only pick one.”
To some, this may not feel like He’s giving us enough options—but in reality, He’s giving us one option that is more than enough.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—and no combinations of anything else in this world will ever satisfy our hearts the way that His love will.
And that makes our Father a really generous Dad.
Tuesday’s Reflection
Have you ever reflected on how generous our Father has been to us? Take some time today to pray for those who are searching for what can only be found in Jesus.
