A quote attributed to Edgar Allan Poe goes like this: “Believe only half of what you see, and nothing that you hear.”
That quote reminds us that not everything we see is believable and much of what we hear needs to be discarded. I parted from Poe slightly because there are some things we hear that are true. What we need when we hear things is DISCERNMENT.
If you look up “discernment” you will find it means “the ability to judge well.” To the follower of Christ it carries a deeper meaning: “to see with a critical eye what is true and what is false.” Discernment is what the apostle John is speaking about when he says, “Test the spirits to see if they are from God.” (I John 4:1). Let me put it in my simpler terms: not everything said to be from God is from God. Paul warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 that many are false teachers who are vicious wolves that want to come in and deceive the flock (v.20).
I recently listened to a podcast by Alisa Childers where she spoke about truth and the lies of a very popular podcaster (and no, it is not Joe Rogan). This person’s podcast is filled with conspiracy theories, lies, innuendos, and even unbiblical ideas (a certain dead person appeared to this person in a dream, for example). It is gossip and hate and accusations that need to be “unfollowed.” If the legacy media were spouting off these lies (which they do) we would simply denounce them and walk away. But for some reason all discernment of this person and the lies has gone out the window. You might be wondering, “Who in the world is this person?” I refuse to use this person’s name because it would give a platform and notoriety that is not deserved (at least acceptance of this person).
I’m much more concerned about the lack of discernment many so-called followers of Christ exhibit, and this case, many of them women. This podcaster has got a cult-like following and it saddens me that so many are “Christian” women. Listen to what Proverbs says:
“There are six things the Lord hates-no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil…a false witness who pours out lies…” (6:16-19)
“The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.” (10:31-32)
“Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.” 12:19)
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (15:2)
There are more. I encourage you to read Proverbs for yourself and highlight what you find concerning speech. In the meantime, practice discernment.
(All Scripture from the New Living Translation)
Discernment. Yes, a wonderful practice that is truly necessary as we try to determine what is God’s truth, His Living Word, in a world that would deceive us with empty promises. Great advice, Bill, and better when we all use the sense of discernment that God gave us.
Blessings!
You said it well Martha: a wonder practice to determine God’s truth. May we all put that in our holder of arrows
With the availability of information being literally at our fingertips at every moment of every day, I am not surprised of those that have completely missed the mark, or perhaps some just slightly. Regardless, the Bible should be our measure. The crazy thing is, one now must ask which Bible? And believe me, I have seen some pretty whacked out versions. I like ESV and NLT, and will still pull out the NKJV on occasion to cross reference with my Strong’s Concordance.
The enemy is the master of twisting the truth just ever so slightly for His purpose. Ever so slightly…
It is so very easy these days to simply rely on the Internet for all things informational (including the Bible)… I would highly recommend that every Christian or anyone seeking to know more about Jesus to get printed version of the Bible. It is too easy for those words to be changed or removed when they only exist digitally.
You make a good point Ryan. I prefer the printed version myself. I don’t trust AI and know that stuff can be altered to sound good but not be true. You are also right in that the enemy can twist the truth just ever so slightly to sound good. That is why discernment is so necessary
Totally agree with you Bill. If we do not use the Bible as our absolute truth to uphold everything else to that truth, we can easily be deceived. The culture throws out so many false truths, we have to be diligent in what we watch, read, and hear, and talk about. The Bible warns us of this so many times, the culture is out to deceive so we must be on guard always.
Thanks Gail. You know me well enough to know I will stand with you on this truth you speak. I do believe the culture (Satan) is out to deceive.
For sure, discernment seems to be in short supply in this season. As we spend quiet time in God’s presence may we hear Him whisper clearly, ‘this is the way, walk ye in it.’
Thanksgiving blessings to you and all your people Bill.
Tragically you are right Linda. It is in short supply. May I hear His voice loud and clear. And my your family also experience all the blessings that go with being thankful.