When I was a detective, it was amusing to watch the parade of “expert” witnesses hired by defense attorneys to support a client’s claim of innocence. The old saying, “You get what you pay for,” was evident in those court proceedings. The same is true today when the latest study supports our preferred position on a subject, or our favorite news outlet broadcasts content that agrees with how we think things should be done. We all like to listen to evidence that supports our bias. We are all too willing to believe anything that creates the scaffolding to support our opinion.

Finding the truth about hot-button social issues is one of the most challenging things a believer will encounter when so many have opposing opinions on various topics. It is especially confusing when everyone has the “evidence” to support their view.  Because we all read from the same bible, one would think we would align on the basics of truth, but we don’t. Personal opinion has become a new form of scripture for some.

I have come to a place where I realize the only thing that will bring about righteous change in a person’s heart or the institutions of culture is an encounter with Jesus Christ. It’s not about who has the most evidence to support their opinion.  It is about the truth that can only be revealed by the Spirit. These back-and-forth battles on what people consider to be their version of the truth will never produce the transformative outcomes that only come when Jesus makes Himself known. 

Today, I am praying for the condition of my heart, for the people I encounter who oppose my worldview, and for our nation. I am praying that Jesus would reveal Himself to all of us. That is our only hope, and the only meaningful way forward when a culture is inflamed with opposing opinions with no resolution is in sight.