Does it matter what you believe?
These days, it’s considered unmannerly to tell someone they’re wrong, and if you do it on social media, you might even be “canceled.” Yes, there’s a time to bite your tongue, even if you know you’re right. (Seriously, does it really matter if you wash the plates before the glasses or which way the toilet paper rolls?)
But then there’s a time when holding back from sharing the truth could have deadly consequences.
Christians are often put in this situation. The world doesn’t like anyone who says there’s only one way to do something, and those who think in terms of black and white—namely, Christians—are berated for not accepting the gray areas.
So…does it matter what you believe?
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Does it Matter What You Believe? Absolute Truth
What makes a shape a square? (Four equal straight sides and four right angles, no exceptions.)
What happens if you drink too much cyanide? (You will die, no exceptions.)
Which travels faster, light or sound? (Light, no exceptions.)
If you waste 20 minutes on social media, can you get them back again? (Nope, they’re gone, baby. No exceptions.)
How can a person live forever? (Ahhh… read on.)
True arrogance is not declaring that you know the way. True arrogance is declaring that what God says doesn’t matter.
Is it arrogant to say there’s only one way to do something—and you know what it is? That in and of itself does not automatically constitute arrogance. If you were stuck in a burning building with a group of people and you knew the way out, they wouldn’t call you arrogant for showing them. If your teammate collapses on the field one day and you’re the only one who knows CPR, it wouldn’t be arrogant to use it.
And if you know that your best friend is about to go to hell, it’s not arrogant to lovingly guide her away from that direction.
How can I have eternal life?
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
To withhold such a truth from someone who needs it would be the most unloving thing you could do.
Jesus is very explicit in this section of the Bible. No one means no exceptions. Period. Therefore, anyone who doesn’t go through Jesus doesn’t go to heaven. There is a right and wrong way in this instance, and it is our job as Christians to share it with as many people as possible. To withhold such a truth from someone who needs it would be the most unloving thing you could do.
True arrogance is not declaring that you know the way. True arrogance is declaring that what God says doesn’t matter. If there’s a right and wrong way to handle hypothermia or a second-degree burn or a fire on your kitchen stove, why shouldn’t there be a right and wrong way to have eternal life?
How to Share the Gospel Without Arrogance
Of course, there is an arrogant way to share the truth with someone, and it may be for this reason that many look at Christianity with hostility. Somewhere along the way, they probably encountered an arrogant Christian—one who was only interested in being right, not in saving souls.
How can you be sure you are never such a person?
- Listen first. Ask why she feels the way she does about God, Jesus, religion, etc. When you know her reasons, you can tailor your approach to what she needs. (See Win the Argument, Lose the Battle?)
- Share lovingly. Instead of telling someone what he should believe, share what you believe and why. (See Speak the Truth In Love: A How-to From the Garden.)
You might not make a believer out of every person you encounter, but every encounter you have with a person should make that person want to come back for more.
Yes, it matters what you believe. Jesus is the only way. Share that truth like the beautiful blessing that it is!
Defend Your Faith & Share the Gospel: More Resources For Christian Teens
You don’t have to have all the answers.
but, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Thank you, Lauren. Listening and planting those seeds along the way are both so important. God will take care of changing hearts we just need to share the joy that we have and where it comes from. God bless your ministry.
God has put his Word in our heart, and it is such a blessing He gives us to share it. Praying that the hearts we touch always point to our Savior Jesus in a most gentle way. Thanks again, Lauren for sharing your gift of writing, stating it all so beautifully.
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