4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
I’ve heard too many arguments in my lifetime that all religions are equal, or at least equally valid. Some argue all religions are equally invalid. I believe it’s obvious, all the great world religions have something to offer-if they didn’t they would not have survived and thrived for centuries. Buddhism offers meditation, which has been proven to improve mental focus and certain beneficial brain functions. Islam, Confucianism, and Daoism provide a cohesive worldview through which adherents can understand their place in the world. Hinduism provides a sense of regional uniqueness and connection with ancient wisdom. Judaism offers a philosophy that has lead to great works of intellectual and moral excellence. Christianity has Jesus.
Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:7). Without Jesus-His life, His teaching, His character, His sacrifice, and His Way-there is no salvation, no means of coming to the judgment seat of God and hearing “well done, my good and faithful servant”. Without Jesus there is no turning the other cheek, no washing of the Disciples feet, no redemptive suffering, no sacrifice for our sins, no healing of our soul’s diseases, no hope for an eternity with God, no gift of the Holy Spirit, no means of peaceful relationship with the Creator of the universe. Good-sounding Arguments of the equality or validity of all religions (or of their equal invalidity) fall flat at the feet of Jesus.
Faith in Jesus gives us roots. He gives us strength. He gives us reason to rejoice and be grateful every day of our lives. When we know Him, and experience Him in our daily lives, our actions, and our relationships, we begin to see here on earth the life that is a reflection of that eternal glory that is in Christ Jesus our Lord-we have a daily taste of the feasts heaven.
Prayer for Today
Father,
Forgive me for the times I have allowed my gaze to turn away from your Son, Jesus. Teach me to look to Him.
And, my Lord, let others see him in me today, so they can know Jesus too.
In the name of the Forerunner of our faith, the best faith race-runner in history, Jesus,
Amen
