We are surrounded by constant voices, information, fake news, so on and so on. It is difficult to discern truth from lies, especially when it involves emotions. However, feelings are not a good indicator because feelings are subjective. By believing everything one hears or reads, makes it that much more simple to be lead astray. Everyone has an opinion, and as we know, nowadays, opinions are much easier to share and seemingly quick to be offered. We must keep in mind though, they are just that, an opinion and not always fact.
There is a story that exemplifies this well. A group of people are sitting in a theater and arguing about the height of the stage. One states quite adamantly, “Five feet!”. Another chimes in, “No way! Six feet!”. A third person offers his best opinion, “You are both wrong, it is only two feet?”. Finally, a child stands up with a tape measure and settles the argument. The tape measure in this story represents truth. No matter how much each person unequivocally believed his/her opinion and furthermore, offered it as fact, it failed in comparison to the truth. There is only one truth.
Proverbs 4:24 reminds us to, “Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth, And put devious lips far from you.” A half-truth is a lie. Satan is the father of lies. Misrepresenting the truth is a lie. Deceiving the facts is lying. If the truth is not being represented, it is a lie. There are no gray areas.
With so many competing voices, how are we to know what is true and what is a lie? There are some practical applications we can foster to guide us with our perception. Take responsibility for what we focus on. The Bible reminds us to guard our hearts. Don’t be quick to believe everything you hear. By guarding our hearts and the help of the Holy Spirit, we are better able to discern what we are being exposed to. In today’s climate, media bias is a real thing, algorithms most certainly have an agenda. It is important to always consider the source.
In Matthew 10, Jesus sends His disciples out into a hostile environment. In verse 16, He tells them, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
Bottom of Form
What represents truth in your life? As Christians, The Bible is our tape measurer. Opinions fall short in comparison. God is ready to set the record straight.
Rhonda Smart, [email protected]
