There’s a movie quote that is relatively famous among folks from my generation. It’s from the movie “Star Wars” and when Luke Skywalker accuses Obi-wan Kenobi of lying to him about the death of his father (who has become Darth Vader) Obi-Wan responds (and I’m paraphrasing here) “your father ceased to be Anakin Skywalker when he turned to the dark side and took the name Darth Vader. So what I told you was true, from a certain point of view”.
Far be it from me to teach that truth is relative to our own point of view. That would be the opposite of what the Bible tells us about truth (that it is absolute and resides in God alone). However, I believe it is accurate to say that our point of view can be an obstruction in our search for truth and that without the proper perspective we will never attain that which is God’s best for us.
In our example above, Obi-wan chooses to practice deception and because Luke trusts him, he believes the lie that Obi-wan tells him about his father. While this is an example from fiction, it has relevance to reality. In life, without proper instruction and guidance we too can very easily trust in the wrong people and the wrong things. Some of us were simply never taught the truth and are therefore in ignorance. Others have been taught to believe in lies and actively practice evil because of it. Regardless of the cause, the effect is the same; lives lived in opposition to the truth of God’s Word.
Even among believers this is a common practice. I think of the many well-meaning parents out there who love their kids and teens but nevertheless allow them to see movies and television shows that teach a morality that is anything but Godly and to listen to music that encourages rebellion and selfishness. The message that these young folks are getting is often times much louder and stronger from the worldly side than it is from the little bit of Bible instruction that most believers are giving their kids these days.
Ultimately, we are responsible for those that we influence. And if we know and have been given the truth then we have a duty and a privilege to first live it and to secondly teach it to those around us. When we fail in this task the entire body of Christ suffers, and when we succeed the body of Christ is built up in unity.
What then is our answer? How can we, wherever we are in our walk with the Lord, make sure that our point of view is in agreement with God’s? The first step would be to pray early and pray often. Take it to the Lord, always! The second step is to make sure that we study and get to know God’s Word, the Bible. We need to read it, we need to pray over it, we need to listen to those who teach it and we need to actively seek out those who would encourage us to learn it.
The fact is, God wants us to know Him and His truth. He does not desire to hide Himself or the truth of His word from anyone. But until we are ready to receive His truth and agree with His point of view we will never have His best for us. We need to pray and ask God to help us to know Him better and for the courage and strength to live by faith according to His Word and the truth contained therein.