When Absolutes Collide
Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God; the LORD is one. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. – Deuteronomy 6:4-6
John 7:22-23
But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.) For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses.
What Is Absolute Truth?
Absolute truth refers to a truth that is fixed, universal, and unalterable. It remains true across all times, locations, and situations, regardless of people’s thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. Such truths are unaffected by opinions, cultural differences, or circumstances.
Biblically speaking, absolute truth is the truth that comes from God and reflects His unchanging nature. What God declares to be right remains right, and what He declares to be wrong remains wrong, regardless of human opinion. Relative truth varies with circumstances, experiences, cultural beliefs, or personal preferences.
Absolute Truth in Action: Fixed Realities
The moral law reflects the Father’s unchanging nature and reveals His character in a clear, authoritative manner. It delineates what is good and evil, right and wrong, holy and sinful. What is righteous in God’s eyes does not become unrighteous over time, and what He condemns does not become acceptable just because a culture accepts it. Although human societies may try to redefine morality, they cannot change the truth established by God.
God is a sovereign King with the Scriptures as His ultimate authority in His realm. His reign is independent of circumstances or external approval. He does not lead by popular vote, public opinion, or societal customs. Instead, He governs through divine right, wisdom, and holiness. Consequently, His commands are not optional suggestions, and His standards re not optional; they are the authoritative expression of His righteous will.
When Absolutes Collide: The Hierarchy of Absolutes
Sometimes, two absolute principles clash. In these cases, decisions should adhere to a hierarchy of absolutes, with higher principles taking precedence over lower ones to uphold the most crucial rule.
An illustrative example of conflicting absolutes is the relationship between Sabbath observance and circumcision on the eighth day. According to the law of Moses, the Sabbath was designated as a holy day of rest. Exodus 20:10 states, “The seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. No work is to be performed on the Sabbath.”
However, God commanded that circumcision take place on the eighth day after a male child’s birth. Leviticus 12:3 says, “On the eighth day the boy’s foreskin must be circumcised.” This raises an important question: what should be done when two absolutes collide and the eighth day falls on the Sabbath?
Jesus addresses this directly in John 7:23: “For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses.” His response shows that, in certain circumstances, one divine command takes precedence over another without canceling or diminishing either.
This example demonstrates the need for wisdom and discernment in moral and spiritual decision-making. Although all of God’s commands are important, certain circumstances require recognizing that some carry greater priority in determining the proper course of action.
Mutual Submission and Absolute Truth
Absolute truth influences not only doctrine and morality but also our interactions. On a daily basis, believers are confronted with situations that require placing unity and love ahead of personal preferences. As children of the King, we must learn and practice humble deference.
Paul expresses this clearly in Philippians 2:3: “Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.”
This kind of mutual submission fosters harmony, deepens relationships, and reflects the character of Christ.
REFLECT & PRAY
Pause for a moment and reflect on whether your personal preferences or cultural traditions have blurred your understanding of God’s absolute truth. Are you open to setting aside human standards that could hinder your relationship with the Father and others? Does your life embody mutual submission, guided by humility and love?
Father, help me discern the difference between Your truth and my personal preferences. Teach me to honor Your commandments, walk in humility, and live in peace with others as I reflect Your grace in all I do.
INSIGHT
Absolute Truth vs. Personal Standards and Traditions
Absolute truth is constant and unchanging. In contrast, personal standards, preferences, and man-made traditions are completely subjective, varying among individuals, families, ethnic groups, and communities. While everyone is entitled to their own preferences and practices, no one is entitled to their own version of truth. In Matthew 15:3: “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God?”
He speaks even more forcefully in Mark 7:6-9:
“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.” Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition.”
These words emphasize the main issue: people often elevate personal standards and inherited traditions to almost divine status. When this happens, it distorts the truth and damages relationships with God and others.
The Problem with Personal Standards
Personal standards are individual preferences, things we like, dislike, allow, or avoid. They may involve small matters, such as room temperature or food preparation, or broader lifestyle choices. Although these standards may be meaningful to us, they are not universal truths and should not be considered as absolutes.
When personal preferences are elevated to the level of God’s commands, they create unnecessary burdens and can lead to misunderstanding, conflict, and condemnation. The issue occurs when we believe others should share our values just because we do.
The Solution: The Golden Rule and Mutual Submission
The solution combines practicality with biblical principles: we ought to give others the same freedom we desire for ourselves. Mutual respect is vital to healthy relationships, and the Bible encourages believers to practice it.
Paul says in Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Mutual submission doesn’t imply dominance by one person or total surrender by another. The aim is understanding, cooperation, and love, reflecting Christ’s heart, who invites His followers to walk humbly and graciously. It requires reciprocity, careful listening, and a willingness to value unity over personal triumph. Such a posture reflects the heart of Christ, who calls His followers to walk with humility and grace
A Practical Extension: The Serenity Prayer
This principle is echoed in the well-known Serenity Prayer, which offers a wise framework for discernment. It reminds us that some matters call for courage and conviction, while others require acceptance, flexibility, and peace.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
This perspective helps us distinguish between unchanging absolute truths that must be upheld and personal preferences that may be relinquished to preserve unity.
Truth, Preferences, and Relational Harmony
Absolute truth is unchanging and universal. It helps us understand reality and offers a dependable standard that does not shift with time, culture, or opinion. By contrast, personal preferences and traditions are subjective and often shaped by experience, upbringing, and social context.
The hierarchy of absolutes helps us focus on what is most important. Core values such as love, compassion, truth, and unity must take precedence over lesser concerns. As we align our lives with God’s unchanging truth and practice mutual respect, we become better equipped to navigate conflict with wisdom and grace.
In this way, we reflect God’s eternal nature in everyday life. We honor the truth of His Word and the dignity of others.
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© Dr. H 2026
