How to Share Your Faith Using Moment of Truth
Fox TV's new reality show Moment of Truth is all about baring your soul and your dirty laundry. For cash. Contestants are faced with a series of probing questions which they must answer in front of their family members and significant others. Questions like:
- Have you ever lied to get a job?
- Have you ever stolen anything?
- Do you think your father uses money to control you?
- Do you really care about starving children in Africa?
- Have you ever lied to your mother about your sex life?
You get the picture. Bare your soul about the worst within you in regard to sex, money and power - regardless of the impact it might have on those you care about. And if you don't tell the truth, the lie detector test you took previously will have no qualms about laying everything bare.
The ethical, psychological and relational dilemmas involved in this particular reality TV show may alternately outrage or intrigue you. But the use of ethical and psychological dilemmas to trip people up has been around for centuries. A Biblical example of this is described in the Matthew 22 when the religious leaders of Jesus' day tried to trip him up with questions about money. Check this story out:
That's when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod's followers mixed in, to ask, "Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don't pander to your students. So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? Do you have a coin? Let me see it." They handed him a silver piece.
"This engraving - who does it look like? And whose name is on it?"
They said, "Caesar."
"Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his."
The Pharisees were speechless. They went off shaking their heads. (Matthew 22:15-22, The Message)
In this instance, those questioning Jesus were looking for a way to trip him up and cause trouble for him. But Jesus, with perfect pitch, spoke the truth and directed his answer to the heart issues behind the question. Again and again in Jesus' conversations throughout the Gospels, we see him take the ethical, psychological and relational dilemmas put to him and turn them into insightful conversations about God and about relationships.
Like Jesus, with a little effort, you too can watch for opportunities to direct your conversations toward spiritual truth. So use the buzz surrounding Moment of Truth and try turning the conversation toward God-talk. Here are some questions that might help you get started:
- Would you be willing to reveal your darkest secrets and potentially hurt those you love if the price were right?
- Do you believe speaking the truth is a good thing? Why or why not? Listen and share what you believe.
- Why do you think God made one of the Ten Commandments "Thou shall not bear false witness" (lie!)? Why is the truth so important to God?
- Find out if your friends have ever heard Jesus famous words, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but by me." (John 14:6) Ask them what they think Jesus meant when he said he was the Truth. Share what you believe. For help with this check out the Soul Fuel article The Truth About the Truth.
Live your life in light of Jesus' Truth. And let your world know He is the Way, the Truth and the Life!
