The first one to plead his cause seems right,
until his neighbor comes and examines him.
Proverbs 18:17
Often I hear people say, facts matter. The fact is, no they do not…at least not anymore.
We have turned spin into an art form. In the face of irrefutable facts, someone will convince you to deny them or that they are outright wrong. Just listen in on any congressional hearing or investigation. The facts discovered in the process are completely twisted by whomever is interpreting them. How many times have you heard the term, its’s settled science? I wish I had a dollar for every time we discovered the science was wrong. Isn’t that the very nature of good science—to follow where the facts lead?
Instead, you and I are fed virtual nonsense and being asked to accept it as true. Why? Because the hidden motives or agenda, trumps the truth. Lying becomes an acceptable means to an end and you and I are seen as pawns whose answer on poll questions is the real goal. My concern here is not for the liars—they have been here since the fall. My concern is for those who are hearing the deceit—you and me.
If we dissect Proverbs 18:17, we see that when a person pleads, or states their case, it is usually accepted. However, the verse also suggests that a further examination—or a look a little deeper—might lead to a different conclusion. I am convinced that most people have been brainwashed to NOT look deeper. I have noticed this happening now for at least the past 40-50 years. We have evolved a generation of people who lack patience and the ability to apply critical thought.
Instead of allowing the facts to draw us to a conclusion, we allow our conclusions to direct us to ONLY the facts that seem to support them. Our inability, or often unwillingness, to look deeper and more critically at the evidence, establishes fertile ground for deception. Because we live in a quick-fix, soundbite society, we lack the patience it takes to flush out truth. Besides, If I discover this news source is lying and manipulating me, I might have to find another channel—and I like this anchor.
Let’s look at some statements we have all heard and either agree or disagree with:
Backing Ukraine is a fight to protect Democracy, a fetus is not a life, a man can become a woman, homosexuality is a morally equivalent alternative lifestyle, masks work, vaccinations are safe and effective, Covid did not come from a lab, January 6th was a planned insurrection, our country is much better off as a result of President Biden, white people are bad, sex trafficking of kids is being overstated, global warming is man-made and settled science, socialism is good, the border is secure, pharmaceutical companies have your best interest in mind, I could go on and on…
First, let me suggest that many of these statements are not only intended to mislead, but also to divide us. Whether they are true or not is not the issue. How you arrived at your conclusion is. If you want to test my hypothesis, ask yourself which one of these you happen to think is solid and how much research you did to come to your conclusion. Sadly, most people do not even try to dig for opposing views or facts to weigh out their conclusions.
If you really want to know how we got here, just look up Mass Formation Psychosis and research what that is all about. In one way or another you and I are all victims of it, but I digress. After all this is said and done, what is the takeaway—what do I need to do—how should I think differently?
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. Proverbs 12:22
First, we must understand how much God detests lying. We also need to know what He means by acting faithfully. I believe He wants us to be faithful in our pursuit of the truth. This means we must do whatever it takes to keep ourselves from being deceived. Jesus, referring to Himself in John 14:6 says, I am the way, the Truth, and the life. He goes on to say in John 16:13, When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…
Dear friend, as followers of Jesus we should never allow ourselves to succumb to lies and outright deceit. He has given us His Holy Spirit and all we need to do is tap into that wonderful source to gain the proper biblical perspective. How does that work, you might ask. For me, I take whatever the world is trying to get me to believe and lay it on that altar of accountability before God. I investigate the Bible and make sure that what I am considering is not contradicted by God’s Word. Then I ask the Holy Spirit to speak and direct me if I am being deceived.
I then challenge myself to investigate the opposing views or data to gain an understanding of how people arrived at the opposite conclusion. This, more often than not, surfaces information most people never see or hear.
When I consider the amount of misinformation, outright lying and deceitful motives permeating our culture today, it is challenging not to become pessimistic. On the other hand, I am also mindful of how great our God is and that He will never leave us or forsake us. He is where our hope comes from, and we must always remember that.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah. 29:11
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:2