Reflections on Faith and Understanding Jesus

“Don’t give me doctrine – give me Jesus.” It seems like a humble request, almost noble. But then, you have to pause and think, “Who is Jesus?” Suddenly, you’re wrapped up in theology. You can’t really follow a savior without having some clarity about who he is.

These days, many churches seem to have swapped out deep teachings for catchy phrases. Things like “God has a wonderful plan for your life,” or “Don’t judge,” or “Everything has meaning.” It’s like feelings have taken over the Word. But try bringing those slogans into a hospital or a funeral home—suddenly, they lose their weight.

For the past 40 years, I’ve been a caregiver. My wife has gone through 98 surgeries, endured the amputation of both legs, and faced immense pain. I’ve had to put my beliefs to the test in some of the toughest moments. Honestly, if your faith doesn’t hold up under suffering, what good is it?

Jesus said to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind, and Paul talked about transforming one’s mind. So, thinking should be part of a Christian’s life; it’s not optional. It’s about obedience.

Common wisdom devoid of biblical grounding isn’t true wisdom—it’s just presumption.

Charlie Kirk gets this. He encourages Christians to ready their hearts and safeguard the gospel, echoing Peter’s words: “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have.” Churches that subscribe to mere feelings leave people exposed.

God himself poses tough questions: “Where are you?” “Who are you?” He seeks clarity from his people. If the Creator asks such hard questions, why should we settle for the platitudes of common thinkers?

Economist Thomas Sowell has pointed out three questions that dissect faulty reasoning: “How does this compare to something else?” “What’s the cost?” “What evidence supports this claim?” Christians ought to apply the same level of discernment.

When someone declares, “God told me…,” the right question might be, “Where’s that found in the Bible?” That Jeremiah verse often cited? It wasn’t intended for entrepreneurs following their dreams but was God’s message to exiles in captivity. Context matters.

Poor theology often comes at a price. “If you have more faith, you will be healed.” The cost? The guilt when healing doesn’t happen. “God wants you happy.” The price? Family strife. “Don’t judge.” The toll? Silence when action is needed. Simplistic slogans often come with devastating consequences.

Here’s a tough question: Do you mention these little catchphrases to grieving parents? If not, then why say them at all? Job’s friends were wise, if only for their silence. Once they began speculating, voicing what sounded like wisdom, God rebuked them for getting him wrong. Common sense without a biblical foundation isn’t wisdom—it’s mere assumption.

I encountered a similar situation in a heated discussion with a friend. He waved a Bible and said, “This doesn’t make sense.” Then, he added, “It’s just common sense.” It felt like a modern-day echo of Job’s companions—a misplaced trust in personal opinion over revelation. My response was the same: “But what does the Bible say?” Unfortunately, he had no reply. Like many believers, he didn’t know scripture enough to inform his views.

This isn’t merely a private concern. Recently, Jimmy Kimmel returned from a break, tearfully claiming he was trying to follow Jesus’ teachings. Sounds noble, right? But isn’t that just another way of saying, “Give me Jesus”?

But where do we think those teachings came from? The only record of what Jesus said is in the Bible. If you assert those teachings while dismissing his identity, you’re essentially undercutting your own foundation. Which parts of the Bible will be acknowledged, and which will be ignored? “You cannot preach before Abraham was there. I am,” says Jesus. C.S. Lewis argued Jesus is either Lord, a lunatic, or a liar; there’s no safe middle ground. Quoting him on TV while ignoring his divinity? That’s not really Christian.

A wise proverb suggests, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding.” Our understanding can be clouded by sin. Emotions shouldn’t be the compass; the Bible must guide us.

Jesus never asked for blind faith. He questioned, “Who do you think I am?” He invited us to think deeply, to seek clarity, and face our misunderstandings. There’s no need for louder voices; we require minds that are discerning, surrendered, and rooted in scripture.

Truth can withstand scrutiny. Genuine faith welcomes questions. So, ask away. Don’t leave your intellect at the door.

Ultimately, emotions can falter, but the Bible? It stands firm.