At a Crossroads...Truth

The term Fake News has become a part of our vocabulary. Those from all sides of an issue or point of view are using this term to describe any report that does not agree with their perspective. It's my opinion that it's Fake News that has caused a division within the body of Christ in a manner I have not seen in my 44 years following Christ.

When it comes to Fake News, even believers, followers of Jesus, diviners of truth, are biblically called to "examine everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good and refrain from every form of evil," I Thessalonians 5:21. Yet I have spoken to people who have taken social media reports as truth, forwarding posts without checking the facts. Some because they couldn't take the time or didn't know where to go to check the 'facts.' But others, I suspect, simply forwarded them because they agree with the point of view in the message and therefore trusted the sender to have verified the facts as they would have if they had the time.

I have yet to sit under a pastor who has not said in affect, "Read God's word, test the scriptures, come talk to me if you have questions regarding my teachings." It is right for us to go to God's word, to seek the wisdom offered to us (James 1:5), test a statement for truth (I Thes 5:21), and pray to know how best to respond (Phil 4:6).

Now we stand at the Crossroads, so to speak. What do we do about those sending us the Fake News? How about those that don't agree with our point of view? Again I believe the answer can only be found in WWJD. What would Jesus do? One thing for certain, He would not talk behind their back or keep a tally of those who say things He doesn't agree with. It was Jesus, the Living Word, who inspired Matthew to write "love your enemies" in Matthew 5:44.

I attended a Christian Writers Conference, November 6th-8th. They sent an email prior to the first day asking us not to speak about politics during the conference. I was saddened that they felt this was necessary. Yet, even among believers, there are multiple points of view on candidates, issues, and propositions on the ballot. It would be foolish to think that all believers agree on topics like these. It would be equally foolish to think all those we encounter in our ministry to the lost, think like us. Ministry of any sort cannot be accomplished without Love.

It was Jesus who gave Paul the insight to list the definition of Love in I Cor 13:4-8a, summarized here: love is patient, kind, not jealous, doesn't brag, not arrogant, not unbecoming in behavior, not seeking its own, not provoked, doesn't keep track of wrongs, rejoices in truth not unrighteousness, bears/believes/hopes/endures all things, Love never fails.

I am not without fault in this regard. I have had thoughts that, if tested against this definition of love, would fall short of what pleases God. Today, however, I choose to accept the Holy Spirit's admonishment, put behind me the things that divide us, and seek to better live out Love as I believe Jesus would.

One additional thing I am working on personally. I'm dropping the idea of "enemy." Although I have not actually called those who see things differently "enemy," it has become common in today rhetoric to use the word. Therefore, I am choosing to tone down my expletives.

Instead of incensed, I'm disappointed. Instead of angry, I'm saddened. Instead of viewing others as my enemy, I'm choosing to see them as people who want the same things I want--peace, prosperity and freedom--but they just believe differently on how to achieve those goals.

Today my focus is, "so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with one another." Romans 12:18. It is more important for me to work toward healing the divide within the church than to have others see things my way. And my guiding principle to divine what is Truth vs. Fake News has become, "Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth." Psalm 86:11.

And my ministry focus: John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another...by this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." As the song says, "they will know you are Christians by your love."

What are your thoughts?

Libby