Would you Like Fries or a Salad with That Order?

Here are some fun facts for ya according to current estimates: there are over 4,200 religions to choose from around the world; for social media accounts, at least 58 gender options are available. Lots to choose from, lots of variety, right? The world has people believing that there is no such thing as absolutes. And yet, Jesus says, "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (see John 17:3). Did you catch that? The Bible teaches there is only ONE true God. This is a concept repeated throughout Scripture. Jesus goes on to say, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one come to the Father except through Me" (see John 14:6). Take note that He does NOT say that He is "a" way, or "one" of the ways.

Like it or not, Christianity is NOT a buffet faith and the Bible is NOT a loose-leaf notebook. People tend to claim Christianity when it’s convenient or when times are hard, wanting God to show up and take care of the problem, only to put Him and His Word on a shelf later. Today’s culture thrives upon the mentality of individuality and egocentric attitudes. Yet, Christianity is based upon absolutes, NOT options. This is not a popular perspective, and it is not necessarily ‘politically correct’ by cultural standards, but that doesn’t change the reality and substance of TRUTH.

Allow me to illustrate. A few months ago, I had a conversation with my childhood softball coach and we were reminiscing about my life before my car accident which left me disabled. The specific game we were discussing was the one in which I hit a homerun. I was getting ready to bat and my coach said to me, "Laurie, right field, line drive." I had a choice to make...follow my coach's instructions or wing it and do what I wanted to do. Here was my perspective at the time as I thought to myself, "My coach knows the game, my coach knows me, my coach wants me to succeed, and my coach takes my best interests to heart." I chose my coach's guidance and I hit a homerun. God is our ultimate 'Coach,' if you will. The Bible is the perfect and sufficient 'Playbook' for this game called life. God KNOWS the game and He KNOWS each one of us. After all, the Bible says, "For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb" (See Psalm 139:13).

God loves us and wants us to succeed and reach our fullest potential, we have all been created for such a purpose. In reiterating the value of God's Word to his mentee Timothy, Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (see 2 Timothy 3:16). Trust and faith can confidently be placed in God's Word, it is right and true (see Psalm 33:4). Some have referred to God's Word, the Bible, as the manual for life, and it surely is. It is absolute and timeless, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (see Matthew 24:35).