Recently, a Christian blogger went public with a lifestyle that many Christians would consider a sin. In her post, she wrote, “What the world needs . . . is to watch one woman at a time live her truth without asking for permission or offering explanation. The most revolutionary thing a woman can do is not explain herself” (Heidi Stevens, “‘Love Warrior’s’ Glennon Doyle Melton opens up about new love, Abby Wambach,” Chicago Tribune, November 14, 2016).

Those words make me shiver. Because I see that same desire in the ugly part of my heart. I don’t want to explain myself. I don’t want to explain the time I “don’t have” to help the homeless back on their feet. I don’t want to back up with Bible passages how I react to people who are not nice to me. 

And you? Do you openly invite others to hold you accountable to Jesus’ standards? Do you test your motives by explaining your actions to others? Or do you push others away, assuming that your heart is an expert at knowing and living up to “your truth”?

When I read the book of Judges, I find that attitude across its pages. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). Read Judges and you’ll find out that the lack of authority does not lead to loving God and doing as he sees fit.

Can I challenge you today to ask a God-fearing, Bible-believing Christian to give you honest feedback about your faith? Because not explaining yourself is easy. But living under the authority of God’s Word is the most revolutionary thing you can do.