All for one and one for all, united we stand divided we fall. —Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers
A while ago, I was conversing with the leader of a thriving college ministry who had an openly gay believer join his group. The campus leader invited the young man to walk through several Scriptures with him, spanning multiple meetings. Finally, the young man said, “This is good stuff, but I’m still gay.” My friend decided to separate himself from this student so others wouldn’t think he was endorsing gay identity.
When he and I talked, I encouraged him to think differently. Believers need not worry about perception management. It’s okay if people misunderstand us. We are messengers of grace following the example of Jesus, and He was constantly misunderstood.
So let’s be full of grace and love people. But let’s also be full of truth and lead people.
Jesus said to His disciples, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39).
I had a conversation with a different young man. He’s an atheist, and we were discussing marriage. He believes marriage is a commitment of hearts, while I believe marriage is a covenant with God.
“I have my opinion, and you have yours,” my friend said. “We don’t have to agree.”
This is the essence of pluralism—believing two very different ideas are equally valid and true. The problem is both ideas aren’t equal. One is true, and one is false. To follow false ideas is to be led blindly by someone who is blind.
So should you listen to my definition of marriage or not? If you’re wise, you’ll go straight to the source—Jesus. (See Matthew 19:4-6.) But again, I’m a student of Jesus, as are many of you.
He said, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40). Fully trained means a state of completion—all blindfolds off.
When we are fully trained, we can expect to be full of grace and truth, free from judgment. We’ll forgive as we’re forgiven, and we’ll give as we’ve been given.
Teacher, I will overcome division by leaning into You. You are the true source—the ever-flowing and overflowing river of grace and truth. Amen.
Learn more from Pete’s teaching series on Luke, What Will Jesus Do?