In the past few months, a new term has evolved from social media, fake news. Whether its Facebook, Twitter or writers failing to confirm the accuracy of a story, false news is posted daily. Before the truth comes out, many are believing and embracing that which is a lie.
Test all things; hold fast what is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
On November 14th, 2016, Tucker Carlson debuted in the 7PM time slot on the Fox News Network. For years I tuned out cable news due to hosts allowing guests to say anything without holding them responsible. To my surprise, Tucker Carlson is making lying political analysts squirm. Words have consequences and fake news is finally be exposed as a lie.
Abstain from every form of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
Since the middle of the first century, not much has changed. Despite good intentions, exaggerations, fabrications and interesting tales comes out of the lips of sinners. In view of this reality, its essential to test everything to you hear and read. If you don’t, you may be the next victim of fake news, which use to be called a lie.
Back in the early 1980’s, the grass roots movement of recycling began. This influenced groceries stores to give consumers a choice as environmentalists pressured chain stores to avoid cutting down trees. Instead of double bagging heavy items, customers were encouraged to use plastic over paper. Today, plastic has prevailed putting news papers on the verge of extinction.
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out, Proverbs 17:14.
Those major news papers that remain are on life support. Why, you may ask? Well. earlier in the week, one business apologized to subscribers due to the unfair treatment of Donald Trump during the 2016 Presidential Election. On the same day, there were 17 negative stories printed demonizing the Donald Trump; none were positive. Meanwhile, following the Republican National Convention, another paper hired 30 journalists to dig up dirt on Donald Trump. Perhaps, this may explain why readers are now choosing social media over the print media.
Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! – Proverbs 17:7.
Sooner or later, the American public is going to turn a deaf ear from dishonesty. It doesn’t take much to discern someone who is real from a phony individual. Like plastic, these imitations will be exposed. Unfortunately, when context, the facts and truth is distorted, gossip has turned into reality poisoning the minds of many Americans. Its sad that many have rejected Donald Trump as president without ever serving a day in office. Yet, then again if making America great again involves putting paper in the form of cash into people’s pockets, perhaps the narrative will change. Until then prayer for our future leaders so that give will breath life into a country falling apart.
One of Aesop’s most famous fables in The Boy Who Cried Wolf. The phrase “cry wolf” derives from the English idiom meaning to give a false alarm. In this children’s story, a boy develops a habit of lying until a wolf actually arrives. When this boy’s reputation was weakened by a series of tall tales, no one came to his aid in his time of need. This is an example of when a names loses its meaning.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us, 1 John 1:8.
Companies spend hours of deliberation and discussion before arriving upon a name. This often signifies cores values, define the essence of each corporation as well as represents a brand. Employees are ambassadors who either exemplify their organization or become negative, focusing on everything a company does wrong. While history provides a list of businesses that have deceived, hidden or faked their way to the top, time has a way of exposing the genuine from the frauds.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.
In this age of social media, competition, critics and enemies will attack those groups and individuals that they do not like. Unfortunately, some of these posts are exaggerated, false or taken out of context. Thus, you or someone you know can have had their reputation severely damaged and ruined. When a name loses its meaning, some never recover for this smear campaign. Nonetheless, if this day arrives, Jesus is always a prayer away. Despite what the world may say, I serve a God of second chances, who mends hearts and restores souls.
Troubled souls watch in horror following the third act of terrorism in less than two weeks. After the shock wears off, people are looking for answers, searching for the heart of this matter. While the facts of the most recent ambush of police officers in Louisiana is unclear, there elements shine some light upon the darkness behind these evil acts.
1. Opinions have been elevated to truth status.
Whether you watch cable news, follow social media or read secular publications, public opinions go viral weekly. Cable news uses talking points to define the narrative, filtering out the context by over-emphasizing what they want the low information voter to believe. Facebook, Snap Chat and Twitter elicit emotions, creating an environment for anger, hatred and negativity to have a voice. Meanwhile, a few elite members of the media daily spoon feed the American public, repeating ideologies, philosophies and worldviews until their opinions become what is good, right and true.
2. Political Correctness has replaced the Bible as genuine absolutes.
During my last year as a high school Bible teacher, our administration felt it was necessary to bring in a professional for an inservice day on sensitivity training. As the black student population grew, a series of seminars was designed to equip teachers with a better understanding of the African American community. Unfortunately, most of the time was spent regurgitating liberal beliefs void of any biblical principles. When public schools kicked the Bible, prayer and God out of education in the 1960’s, the measuring stick for absolutes were eliminated. More than fifty years later political correctness has now become the gospel of the twenty first century.
3. You can’t force people to act, believe or change.
One of the things I learned during my months in a youth ministry trade school is that you can’t change someone’s attitude. However, once an individual takes ownership and responsibility for their actions, they can change themselves. If God doesn’t force people to believe in Him, creating free will, why is the world trying to convince those who differ from their worldview to become open minded? According to Jesus in John 16, the Holy Spirit is the only source that provides permanent change. Discipline, good intentions and hard work are productive, but not eternal. Therefore, if you want to start making this world a better place, begin with the heart of this matter by looking at the man, woman or child in the mirror.
Any parent who loses a child to a drunk driver, victim of a crime or family member of a relative fatally shot wants to see justice prevail. In the heat of the moment, especially after receiving this bad news, emotions can cause harsh reactions. Yet, in America people are suppose to be innocent until proven guilty. Sure, it would be nice if the court systems could speed up this process. However, until individuals have their day in court, its irresponsible to incite violence, rush to judgment or use social media to encourage others to seek revenge.
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? – Matthew 7:4
In the hours following the unfortunate shooting deaths of African Americans by police officers in Louisiana and Minnesota, reactions in the media were fast and furious. Apparently, some people took black leaders, politicians and twitter posts literally. Subsequently, now there are six dead police officers in 2 states, several more wounded and public servants have been betrayed by the citizens they are paid to protect. The response by celebrities to the initial two deaths is a clear indication that reactions have consequences.
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye, Matthew 7:5.
America has come to a cross roads, on the verge of a racial divide. The leadership and message provided by Dr. Martin Luther King has either been forgotten or is absent from this current generation. In view of this dire situation, its time for personal responsibility, realizing that everyone is imperfect. During his sermon on the Mount Jesus encouraged followers to get their own lives in order before criticizing or judging other people. The same truth applies to Americans today. Therefore, the next time you have an urge to lash out, over react or post complaints on social media, remember these words of Jesus. If put into practice, God’s Word can begin to transform lives one soul at a time.
In this age of social media, discipline often takes the forms of rants on twitter. When shared among millions of followers, these words can be unpleasant, a strike to your heart. Yet, if you acknowledge your own imperfections, any form of criticism can make you a better person if you are open to change.
And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, Hebrews 12:5.
Like the famous court scene in A Few Good Men, sometimes people can’t handle the truth of an honest assessment. Thus, many turn a deaf ear, unable to accept the painful reality that they are wrong. This lack of openness often leads to stubborn hearts as well as a lack of progress in life.
Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son,” Hebrews 12:6.
According to the author of Hebrews, individuals need to change their perspective on discipline. If careless acts result in embarrassment, face the music instead of running and hiding. By embracing hardship as growing pains, character can blossom if you are open to self-improvement.
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? – Hebrews 12:7
Discipline is one of those things which can be difficult to experience. Yet, in the midst of adversity, God has a reason, to shape his children just as a potter molds their clay. Therefore, the next time you are called out, it might be unpleasant or painful, but in the end I pray that you find it productive.
Prior to the advent of cell phones and internet, conversational skills were an important part of life. While technological advances often enhance society, these two inventions are killing intimate relationships. These modern devices are distracting individuals from bonding with other human beings whom they share a lot in common with, but haven’t taken the time to find out.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom, Psalm 90:12.
During a vacation over Spring Break, I spent a week without wi-fi. Thus, posting my blogs was a difficult challenge as even some of the restaurants I ate at did not offer free access to the internet. Despite this challenge, I survived, spending more time with my family and children than normal. Swimming in the day and playing pool at night provided a healthy climate for communication.
Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:16.
Although you probably won’t find me on a reality show like Survivor, living off the grid and unplugged for a week was a blessing. Since I’ve always been a doer, with a drive to experience the outdoors, visiting new places this past week has given me a new appreciation for life. Sure, you do need money to travel, but if you limit your access to the social media, you will discipline yourself to make the effort to go and do things you have always talked about, but never done. Seize each new day while it lasts!
Twenty years ago, adult, controversial and risque commercials appeared after dark, when most children were asleep. The culture was much more conservative, careful not to corrupt the innocence of youth. Unless you are living in denial, today everything is fair game, waking up to a whole new world.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8.
Social media is setting the pace daily, led by what’s trending on Twitter, followed by the latest eye catching video on Youtube. Subsequently, a new generation lives by an entirely new set of standards, distant from the ethics of the Bible. What once was wrong has become mainstream, normal to an accepting society, open to news ways of thinking.
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:17.
Caught in the middle, the church is forced to balance grace with truth. Although kinder and gentler, its difficult for those raised in the Fire and Brimstone Era to get past obvious sins. Thus, when a microphone is put in front of a pastor’s face or as the camera rolls, its hard not to portray these individuals as judgmental, void of the love of Christ. Despite what Christians believe about abortion, homosexuality and divorce, its better to demonstrate faith rather than shoving your beliefs in someone’s face. Waking up to a whole new world will require an emphasis on living examples of Jesus to reverse these trends and possibly inspire a revival throughout the land.
In every success story, there are two primary factors which often impact the final chapter to each Cinderella story. The first involves an individual with talent, dedicated to mastering his or her trade. Discipline, hard work and sacrifices can lead to fame and fortune. While on the rise, friends, family and relatives begin to develop a sense of entitlement, expecting some sort of payment for their involvement in the process. When this obligation is not met, things can get ugly as those on the outside looking in respond with, “he ain’t all that!”
Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. – Mark 6:3
This tragedy of society is nothing new. Jesus dealt with a similar situation as he went back to his hometown to teach at the synagogue. Whether it is envy or jealousy, people can be cruel, taking occasional jabs to lessen your accomplishments. In the case of Jesus, the negativity of the crowds grew, causing his ability to heal to decline. As the murmurs of “he ain’t all that” intensified, this lack of faith restricted the power of God from being displayed.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” – Mark 6:4
With the invention of social media, ordinary people get their kicks out of trashing celebrities, professional athletes and those in the media. Perhaps by tearing others down, insecure souls feel a little better about themselves. Although misery loves company, lives will not change for the better until an environment for healing is formed. Therefore, the next time you get the urge to say, “he ain’t all that,” follow the principles of James 5:16 so that the resurrection power of Christ can be unleashed.
Loneliness is common place today, as social media has substituted face to face encounters with nothing more than a type writer and a screen. Meanwhile, the art of conversation has been highjacked by A.D.D., A.D.H.D. and poor people skills. If someone has a hard time relating to people, grasping the presence of an unseen God is unfathomable.
This is not what God had designed when He created man and woman, Genesis 1:27. Unfortunately, the days of God walking with Adam and Eve are long gone, a distant memory of a relational God, seeking to hold our hand, Psalm 73:23. In this dark and selfish age, few clear examples of humans who are experiencing the touch of God remain, Galatians 5:25. Reading pages of the Bible is one thing, but seeing a genuine individual of faith has become rare, a relic of a once Christian nation.
The only way to turn this fantasy into reality is through faith. Although, King David had his problems during his life, inside his heart was a man who sought to follow after God, 1 Samuel 16:7. When you add the obedience Moses exhorted Israelites to pursue in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, blessings reveal God’s presence. Faith is the bridge to God, nourished by prayer which claims the promises of Scripture. Then and only then, can the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:10 come alive, taking one day at a time by holding God’s hand!
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