We are living in the misinformation age. Falsehood abounds these day, promoted by those who firmly believe that they are spreading the truth. It is so easy to believe everything you hear. Well-meaning people are often guilty of spreading rumors and lies. Social media is the main culprit of this campaign, yet the roots run deeper than that.
From the Garden of Eden until now, the devil has been deceiving people by feeding them lies disguised as truth. Presently, our culture has fallen for his lies. It is shocking to behold the level of deception our society embraces these days.
It creates a dilemma for serious Christians. We are bombarded with all kinds of conflicting information. What do we believe and what should we avoid?
Writing to the Church at Thessalonica, Paul wrote, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Paul gave the Thessalonians, and ourselves, great advice. Prove all things. Before believing or repeating information, do your homework and find out the truth.
I find that many are afraid of the truth. They are scared of what they may learn. Others are too consumed with their own preferences that they never seek to discern the truth.
Here's the problem we face today. We are bombarded with information. We simply do not have time to research every item that comes along. What should we do then? Very simple. If it isn't important enough to perform research on, it isn't important enough to put confidence in or share with others.
Notice that Paul wrote that we are to “prove ALL things,” (emphasis added). We are to do more than discern the truth when it comes to the news, current affairs or international headlines. We are to discern the truth about ourselves, sin, and most of all, God.
Spiritual discernment is sorely lacking among people today. We are prone to accept everything we hear as being true. Whether it is a slick TV preacher or a soundbite from a sermon, people tend to believe everything they see and hear. That is disturbing.
Some say that practicing discernment is being judgmental. However, the Bible tells us to contend for the faith (Jude 3). Furthermore, Paul instructed the Galatians: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9). It is not only acceptable to discern good doctrine from bad, it is actually commanded. We need such discernment today.
The problem with a lack of discernment is that it results in the spread of false doctrine and deception. Too much is at stake to allow this to occur.
When it comes to doctrine, discernment is based upon one thing: the truth of God's Word. In fact, the Bible is the basis for discernment in every aspect of life. In a society where “everything goes,” the ultimate result will be ruin.
As Christians we have the responsibility to discern the truth. Everything should be tested by the standard of truth. This generation is failing the test.
It is time to put away the newspaper, turn off the nightly news, avoid the hype of social media and get alone with God.
Open your Bible. Discover the truth. Discern the truth. Declare the truth.
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