Embracing the truth about God, life, and ourselves, most of the time, is a challenge, because the new revelations of reality could contradict the things we already consider to be true.

"Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me" (Matthew 11:6, KJV), said Jesus. Why? As He taught and expressed God's truth, He challenged the understanding of His listeners with new ideas, therefore presenting them opportunities to become offended and to withdraw from Him. Many of His disciples did so, for their own harm. Certainly, this was not His conscious intention to offend. But Jesus realized that some of the things could not be watered down in false "compassion". He was willing to be God's truth in expression, even if it was upsetting to certain people.

We often hear about Jesus being peaceful, but He never sought peace at any cost. According to Him, some controversy could not be avoided. "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword... And a man's enemies will be those of his own household" (Matthew 10:34-36).

Let us remember that Jesus spoke of growth processes within an individual. "The earth" and "the household" represent human consciousness. Our only real "enemies" are not without, but within. They are old, destructive ideas - the ones we need to get rid of.

Old and new ideas, in most cases, cannot peacefully cohabit together. We have to make a choice, whether the old ones or the new ones will stay with us.

"You shall clear out the old because of the new" (Leviticus 26:10), says the Bible. Not everybody is willing to do so. So many people are so emotionally attached to their stuff (mental stuff), that they fail to see that it doesn't bring them any good.

Are we willing to exchange our old ideas to the new ones to experience a different level of success and achievements? It is often not our ignorance, but our preconceived opinions that prove to be most dangerous.

One of my friends transcribes "opinionated" as "opinions ate it". It is true that our ideas may become idols to which we sacrifice our success, over and over.

Do not be offended. What is an offense? It is a negative emotional reaction to a situation where our expectations (for instance, expectations of praise and approval) are not fulfilled. It is a subtle form of pride - and many people continue to think that they are perfectly justified in their feelings of being offended.

If we happen to think that we have the right to be offended, we better think of it again.

It is a humbling thing to realize that we are wrong in something, that our cherished and treasured opinions could be far from being true - and yet it brings us great freedom. When we understand that our true identity cannot be challenged by any changes in our minds, we won't hold on to anything. We will become free from any strain and self-defense, which will allow us to direct our energies in more constructive way.

Being true to God doesn't mean being true to all of our current ideas about God.