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The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth

Our world today is enamored, fascinated, confused, and ravaged by a new trend - Fake News.  Prior to the internet and social media, "news" companies had to invest large sums of money in printing presses, computers, designers, and other areas in order to produce a legitimate looking story or product.  But now, with the Internet and digital technology, nearly anyone can create a professional looking newsletter or press release and have it posted and shared thousands of times within minutes.  The problem with this is that one person can twist the facts, express his/her opinions as facts, and put it out there for millions to read in a way that seems believable.

We all know that this happens in the news and in politics:
-  Did Smollett stage his attack or is this is a hoax?  The accounts are mutually exclusive so one must be a lie.
-  Is former Trump attorney Cohen telling the truth?  If so, which truth of his do we believe?
-  Even The Washington Post is susceptible to mistakes issuing an editor's note and deleting tweets related to its coverage of the 'standoff' between a high school student and Native American activist in Kentucky last month practically recanting its earlier stories.

But sadly inaccuracies also occur in the church.  Religious leaders who have charisma and enough knowledge of the Bible to sound intelligent can be very entertaining and convincing.  And much like with news outlets, "People will flock to such teaching if it appeals to what they want to believe."  But if your teaching, or the teaching in your church, or by your pastor, isn't grounded in the truth of God's Word, it is fake news and can have perilous consequences.

For us as Christians, the fact is this:  "Truth is grounded in the reality of who Jesus Christ is."  That's it, that's all, so long y'all.  We believe that Jesus is God's son.  We believe that He paid for our sins on the cross.  And we believe that He was raised from the dead.  Placing our trust in Him and holding these beliefs is where our salvation begins.  If you're seeking after something or someone else, consider this; the tombs of Confucius, Buddha, and Muhammad are all occupied.  But the tomb of Jesus is EMPTY.  For me personally, I want to follow someone who even conquered death.  Who are you following today?

If you are a teacher, leader or mentor in your church or community, if someone asks you something that you don't know or don't have all the facts, do not answer that person yet.  Tell them that you need to read up on that or at least preface your response with something like, "Based on the information we currently have."

Truth really is a beautiful thing.  It isn't swayed by popular opinion, the latest trends, or our own personal desires.  It is what it is.  Some days we may like it, while other days we may not.  But the fact remains that the truth is the truth and cannot be changed.  And the truth of Christ really can set you free.
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