Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Beware: Fake News


Fake news is the lowest form of journalism known today. Yet print, internet, and broadcast media bombards us every hour of every day, building tension and hatred among people. At best, it divides people, leaving them steaming angry and baffled, as the truth they do know is tested beyond measure, forcing them to settle for what they want to believe. With all that said, who can say they have a handle on any worldly events, or that “my news is better than yours?” Who can possibly form any opinions based on ‘media truth,’ when the news is so tainted, and we are living through what I often call, ‘The Truth Famine?’ It is foolishness to think that anyone really knows the truth these days based on news which is nothing more than hearsay-gossip on a national and global scale. Clearly. There is no room for sanctimony or indignation when truth stands in the balance.

The very existence and prevalence of fake news provokes doubt, disharmony, confusion and rigorous, misguided, unnecessary arguments in the hearts and minds of people around the world. Made up of believable half-truths, frequently laced with bold lies, it sometimes seems impossible to find even a kernel of verifiable truth in all the chaos. Beyond differences in opinion, fake news is actually designed to divide and conquer all who hear, watch or read it. But consider this:

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
Romans 16:17 New International Version (NIV)

Sadly, today, in this age of relativism--where there is no right or wrong—where people often seemingly believe their own truth, and there is no absolute truth beyond that. It is refreshing, and necessary to turn to Scripture for discernment and guidance and to regain our moral compass. In fact, ultimately, in my own life, the holy Bible is my sole source of truth. I rarely go by hearsay or read books about the Bible, instead I get into the Word myself to experience it directly first hand and revel in how it applies to today.. I believe it when the Bible says what is holy and what is not. I trust that God is with us all when we seek Him with an open heart. It’s all in there, and I fully trust the authority of the Bible as it is written, anointed, and inspired by God, Himself.

It is my belief that the Bible, through the power of the Holy Spirit, prepares us well for every occasion of blessing and helps us avoid every temptation to sin. It gives us clear guidelines for right and wrong, how to spot good and evil, and how to strive to live a blessed life following God’s will.

Far above the cacophony of clamoring journalists and op-ed gurus. Far beyond the loud debates and unrelenting negativity, there is truth to be found in every circumstance. Perhaps it’s time to turn off the TV and walk away from the internet to seek ever-lasting truth and peace through prayer and Scripture. Maybe it’s time to ‘unplug’ and focus on the love and peace found in Jesus Christ, the greatest hope the World has ever known. Could it be that it’s time to put down our clenched fists, build bridges, and seek peace? Peace in our relationships, peace in the World, and most of all, peace in our own hearts.

Placing God at the center of your truth is something you will never regret. For the only truth I truly know is found in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, the Light of the World!

© Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill   |   Distributed by News Consortium

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