“Survey says:”
Do you remember Family Feud? (Maybe not as popular as in its glory days with Richard Dawson but it’s still on the air.) This is a TV show where people are surveyed with leading questions and two families face off to guess the top responses.
I can remember enjoying the silly answers that were given by contestants. Mostly this game show is just innocent fun (or maybe no so innocent). But it does remind me of a growing concern I have for our world in general and the Church in particular.
Our lives have become dominated by surveys. (Against my better judgment, I answered a phone survey last night). You may recall that Pilate famously asked Jesus, “What is truth?” in response to Jesus’ statement, “I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:38, 39).
More and more people of the 21st Century seem to believe that truth is determined by majority opinion or consensus science. What is marriage? Let’s ask social media. What is happening with the climate? Let’s poll the people. To this observer it appears that many in mass media seek to promote a secularization of society based on surveys.
If people around you are confused about truth, don’t be surprised. Pilate was confused about truth as well. Truth has puzzled pagan philosophers for centuries. However, you need not be confused about truth because Jesus has the answer. In His High Priestly Prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus speaks to His Father in heaven, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).
You and I need never wonder about the truth. God’s word is truth. It tells us about God’s love for us in Christ. It speaks to us of forgiveness, life and salvation by grace through faith.
When people around you spout off about the latest trend or survey, simply smile knowingly! God has revealed His truth to you in His holy word. Remember that in verse 20 of the same High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for you, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their WORD.”
Prayer:
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son
And bring to naught all He has done.
Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow’r make known,
For You are Lord of lords alone;
Defend Your holy Church that we
May sing Your praise eternally.
O Comforter of priceless worth,
Send peace and unity on earth;
Support us in our final strife
And lead us out of death to life.
Martin Luther, Public domain, Lutheran Service Book 655
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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