How do we know the difference between fact and fiction? For the record, I am about 6 feet tall. But suppose I walked up to you with a 6-inch ruler and said, “I am 12 feet tall. See, this ruler proves it.”

You would say, “You’re crazy. Get a new ruler which has the right measurement for a foot.”

How would we know who was right — or are we both right? Some would say that the truth concerning my height is relative to me: as long as I think so, I am really 12 feet tall. That is relative truth. Others would use an internationally-accepted standard to reach a verdict: a 12-inch ruler indicates that I am only 6 feet tall, so my assertion was wrong. This is absolute truth.

Both of these views of truth have been applied to world religions. With so many different religions and so many sincere devotees in each of them, religious relativists argue that they must all be true to those who believe them — therefore, all paths lead to God. The problem is that this denies one of the central laws of logic, the Law of Noncontradiction: “A” cannot equal “non-A.” All religions are different, therefore it cannot be said that any one is as good as another.

So which religion is true? One cannot say it any clearer than Jesus did: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) Why base your eternal life on this statement? Because Jesus prophesied His own death and resurrection, and they transpired exactly as He had predicted. Many religious leaders have made great claims through the centuries. None could back them up like Jesus.

Perhaps you are skeptical about the exclusivity of Christianity. You believe it isn’t fair that other religions should be excluded from providing eternal life. Compare their teachings to the absolute truth of God’s Word, and you will reach a conclusion — you can’t argue with the facts.

Everyone may be entitled to his own opinion, but everyone is not entitled to his own truth. Truth is but one. — Doug Groothius

Devotional by Pastor Jim Scudder, Jr.

A few years ago, I visited a Buddhist temple in China with members from our mission team. I’ve been to Buddhist temples in other countries, but this was the first time several of the young ladies on our trip had experienced this. On the outside, the temple was very beautiful and ornate with a distinct, Asian appearance. But once we stepped inside, the women were shocked to see people bowing to an idol of Buddha. Tears formed in their eyes because they knew the people were not worshipping their Creator.

The devil longs to be worshipped as God. He claims as his own any worship which is not directed toward God. That means we don’t have to bow before a statue to commit idolatry. We often bow before many other gods: the “Almighty” dollar, Hollywood celebrities, sports and political heroes, and our own self-will. Such worship is idle. The moment we bow the knee, the devil exults.

Now don’t get me wrong: there’s not necessarily anything wrong with money, celebrities, or our personal desires. But we need to honestly consider where our hearts are. For example, if you’d rather watch football than be in church, it’s clear what’s most important to you.

Is the object of your desire worthy of the spot it holds in your life, or have you elevated it to a position only God should fill? No relationship, possession, or granted desire can provide the eternal fulfillment God provides. Worship Him alone today.

The more a man bows his knee before God, the straighter he stands before men. — Unknown Author

Devotional by Pastor Jim Scudder, Jr.