SPEAKING TO THE SOUL

The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! Honour and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.   Psalm 96:5-6 NLT

In our age of political correctness, it can be a challenge to express a view without it being interpreted as a statement against another person’s perspective. This is especially true in religious matters. Obviously, any speech or view that has as its intention to incite dislike or even violence is wrong, for it fails to respect the integrity of someone else’s values. As disciples we should consistently place a high value on others as image-bearers of God. We should also protect their best interests and represent them in the best light. Equally we can expect the same of others. So how am I to express my conviction in the wonder and majesty of my God with confidence and integrity?

Surely, when I speak of God as “first cause and final end” there is implicit in that statement that in any hierarchy, my God sits at the top. Am I therefore denigrating other views of God? If all I want is to win an argument and insist upon my way, I need first to differentiate views and then polarise the debate to set up my answer against all others. This creates a false choice; false for I’ve created it and forced others, who may live comfortably with difference, into my value preference. This produces a sterile conversation, as the long Brexit arguments demonstrate. It also breaks down healthy social interaction and leads to violence in language, and even physical violence.

Expressing my values with confidence, and listening to the values of others, leads to healthy social dialogue and acknowledges our human freedom and responsibility to choose what we would like to believe. Reflecting on your beliefs will help clarify them and enable you to express them more clearly and effectively. Remember, you express them as a witness to the way you live, not to win an argument.

QUESTION

How do you communicate your beliefs?

PRAYER

Give me a greater understanding of your wonderful nature and help me to share my discoveries with confidence and integrity.