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What’s Your Source of Information?
There are a lot of sources of information in the world. There are those whom many consider wise, and reliable. For some, the person with all the letters next to his or her name is the most credible; for others, it might be celebrity status, and everything in between. Of course, the type of information may require someone with a specific title. Does having letters behind a name, or having some sort of status make the individual a purveyor of truth?
Here’s when it gets rather sticky: when people place the wisdom of humans above the wisdom of God. People say some pretty impressive things; but as a friend aptly put it, it sounds good until you think about it! This leads to another question: how critical is your thinking? How much do you take at face value? In terms of human wisdom, perhaps it would be good to consider some things Scripture says about it.
1 Corinthians 1:19-20 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men (read verses 17-31 for fuller context).
When you consider what Romans has to say about those who profess to be wise, would it be wisdom to listen to them? Maybe, just maybe, when someone claims to be wise, it might be a good time to run.
Romans 1:21-22 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (read entire chapter for full context).
What’s Your Reason for Information?
In terms of truth, a person’s motives may very well determine whether they actually find it, or fall prey to self-deception. Some want to believe what they want to believe to be true. Many create echo-chambers in which they only hear what they want to hear. They don’t want to be confused with facts; they’re more interested in their own reality. Some reject truth, because it challenges what they believe, and in some cases, holds them accountable. When you’re faced with the truth, you have some decisions to make. You can either accept it, and act accordingly, or reject it and go your merry way.
One of the reasons people claim atheism is they want to do whatever their heart desires without being held accountable. Ironically, in one sense, it proves the Bible to be true. How so? Isn’t it an evil heart that rejects truth, so one may do as he pleases? What does the Bible say about the heart of man?
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
The Bible has a lot to say about people being deceived by their own heart. It points to their ways. Self-deception is very powerful, and has wrecked many lives. If you want life, you need truth. Those who are devoid of truth, you are devoid of life.
Truth Destroys Lies
Have you ever believed a lie? What happened when you found the truth? Obviously, it obliterated the lie. It can be disheartening, and yet, very liberating. What did Jesus say about truth?
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Would it be safe to say that those who don’t have the truth are in bondage? How many people are in bondage to fear, because of the lies they believe. Hmmm. Fear may be a sign a person is believing a lie. When you think critically about truth, does God want you to be fearful? His truth wrecks fear; unless of course, someone wants to believe a lie. Many are afraid of exposure, so they run from the truth. They want to hide in darkness, which is the absence of light. This also revels self-deception. How so? They believe they can do things in secret; but in reality, there is coming a time when it will be exposed by the Light.
Everyone on the planet has believed lies. God wants you to have life, and have it abundantly. His truth gives you just that. This is one reason the Word has a lot to say about renewing the mind and tearing down those strongholds. There is much that could be said at this point, but much of it would be stating the obvious (read your Bible, etc.). One thing that renews your mind and engulfs you in truth is walking in relationship with God. As you commune with Him, you commune with Truth.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
