by Rick Furmanek
The recent release of Jose Canseco’s controversial book, Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big, has triggered a whirlwind of emotions and responses from those who so passionately care about the game. Some see it as an unnecessary attack on the game, while others see it as a confirmation of their suspicions of how the game has significantly changed over the last two decades.
When evaluating Jose's claims for yourself, you will concede one of three possibilities:
1) Jose Canseco is a liar.
2) Jose Canseco is delusional.
3) Jose Canseco is telling the truth.
Which is the correct analysis? We may never know in this lifetime, but rest assured, all will eventually know what really happened. Many have convinced themselves that the things they do in secret now, can and will remain a secret indefinitely. But that's just not the case. Jesus Christ states in the Gospel of Matthew, "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." (NIV)
Eventually every secret action committed, every private word uttered, will be clearly made known, if not in this lifetime, for sure in the next. That in itself is a great case for being open, honest and truthful in everything we do.
Mulling it over for the past two weeks, the public response to Jose Canseco's claims remind me of the bold claims that Jesus Christ made about himself and the responses he received. For instance, Jesus says of himself, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one may come to the Father except through me." (NIV) Quite a bold claim, isn't it?
When evaluating Christ's claims for yourself, you will concede one of three possibilities:
1) Jesus Christ is a liar.
2) Jesus Christ is delusional.
3) Jesus Christ is telling the truth.
With more historical evidence pointing to the truthfulness of Jesus Christ and to the validity of the Bible than any other historical document in the world, there is a good case for answer number three.
But beyond that is something else; quite evident, yet intangible; easily seen, yet unexplainable. I'm speaking of a changed life. Jesus Christ not only assured us that he was telling the truth, but he openly backed up his claims with the miracle of changes lives. There was nothing secret about his life. He answered truthfully to truth-seekers and gave new life to those willing to accept it.
Some 2000 years later, Jesus Christ's claims are still just as valid, and just as controversial, as they were in the first century. Still, everyone who is exposed to his claims must make their own personal evaluation. Where do you stand? Is Jesus Christ a liar? Is Jesus Christ delusional? Or is Jesus Christ really telling the truth? I challenge you to investigate his claims. Ask the hard questions. You'll not be disappointed at the depth of honesty and truthfulness you'll come face to face with in His words.
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