In a postmodern society the pinnacle subject under interrogation is "truth.” The veracity of it is challenged leading to the conclusion, "There is no such thing as absolute truth." It naturally follows that postmodern cultures at a minimum de-emphasize, and in some cases deploy a full assault, on all absolutes. As for people who hold to transcendent values and moral imperatives, they are often demonized. In this climate, Christ Followers, who by definition believe their leaders absolute claim to be "The Way, The Truth and The Life,” can struggle to effectively speak His message. Some say, “dumb the truth down,” others, “cram it down their throats.” However, in Christ's example we see a third way... truth expressed in the language of the day.
The reality is that truth "is what it is," an objective unchanging reality. Truth is no respecter of boarders, it does not keep time and it doesn’t flex based off the crowd we are running with that moment. When it came to standing on truth, Christ didn't flinch. Yet as unmovable as He was when it came to the substance we find Him quite fluid in the dispensing of it. In Christ we have the ultimate example of how to effectively stand for something that does not change in times that have.
We see situational sensitivity. Was He speaking with a hardened religious leader or a broken hearted adulteress? We notice remarkable social intelligence. Was He addressing an interpretive issue rooted in the Halakha or where faith and compliance intersect under Iegislation in-acted by occupying Rome. We observe uncanny cultural adaptation. Was He bearing witness to a Samaritan woman at a watering hole in Samaria or showing His divinity to the bridal party at a Jewish wedding in Judea? In every case the substance never changed, but his approach to sharing it molded to the moment.
In order for His people today to effectively hearld the timeless good news, we must tune into the tone each situation requires while never turning a deaf ear to the Voice Of Truth.
"Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!" Psalm 85:10
"Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed." Proverbs 12:19
"Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth." 2 Timothy 2:25
- Micah McElveen