We are in what is called a “Post-Truth Culture”. What that means is that “truth” is in the eyes of the beholder. Whatever people want to be “truth” is their “truth”. Regardless of actual reality or absolute truth. Folks can post things on social media and say things that are not even close to being factual and it is presented as “truth”. This should not surprise us as Christians. Paul Instructed Timothy In 2 Timothy 3:
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This letter was written to Timothy, a young pastor, as a word of warning because of the culture of that day. Sound familiar?
Be careful family. Don’t believe everything posted or everything perceived. Always consider the source of any and all conversations. In this day and hour that we live, we have to live carefully and with discernment. Paul also told Timothy In 2 Timothy 2:
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
We all must be careful what we allow to influence us, who we allow to influence us, and who we are attempting influence. The consequences of not doing so can be dangerous and not enriching to The Body of Christ.
We reap what we sow…
This current culture I am referring to is not even the “un-churched” or the lost. It is the culture of “the Church”. It is unfortunate. It is sad. It is deadly. We are in a “post-truth” culture that needs to get back to the only Absolute Truth, that is Jesus and His Word!
Have a great week!
Amen and amen
Thank you Pastor Eric for being bold, determined and faithful. You are handling the Truth well. I know you will get opposition. The church is being sifted. Thank you for guiding us in truth, grace and obedience.
Paul, you are such a blessing my friend. Thank you for being a part of this family all the way from the Northeast!!!!