Yesterday I was giving the message in church and I referenced Jesus Christ as "the best way to God" and received quite a bit of feedback. Most people were simply inquisitive and wanted to know why I chose that phrase. Others I'm sure we're bothered by it and wondered why I hadn't used the phrase, "the only way to God" when speaking about Jesus. Here's my rationale behind why I specifically choose to use the phrase "the best way"...
First of all, personally, Jesus has proven Himself to be the best way for me to experience God. He has never let me down. I trust Him with every fiber of my being and do my best to place my confidence in Jesus Christ for every decision I make on a daily basis.
However, after recent conversations with people who definitely do not self-identify as Christ-followers, I've found that when I choose to talk with them about Jesus Christ as "the only way to God", it tends to shut down the conversation altogether. My hope is to share my faith in Christ with them. I've found it easier to have these conversations if I listen well and choose my terms wisely.
But some would say, "Jesus said of Himself, 'I am the way, and the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me' (New Testament, John 14:6). If this "exclusive" phrase is good enough for Jesus, why isn't it good enough for us today?" While I certainly agree that Jesus Christ is the only way to experience a relationship with God, I also believe our methodology of sharing the Good News of Christ must continually change and adjust with our culture. I believe our current American Culture is turned off and tuned out to most Christian "conversations" these days, mainly because they are not "conversations" at all, they are one-sided monologues where Christians spout their thoughts and opinions and are quick to tell everyone "what the Bible says" instead of listening and trying to understand first and foremost so we can begin a genuine conversation with those who don't share our faith.
I wonder what would happen if we really worked at becoming better listeners, chose our terms wisely and admitted that we really don't know it all. I think it could be the beginning of a beautiful conversation...
