I have some dear friends who are continually passing on some of the most outrageous stories as if they were gospel. I have been trying to figure out why these dear people are so easily taken in by some of the most obvious lies. I think I have figured out what is going on. They really are dear people who would never stoop to deliberately tell a lie about someone. Truthfulness is such an ingrained part of their character it is difficult for them to think everyone isn’t like them. The idea that some people are paid to “spin” the truth just doesn’t occur to them. That girl telling that tale looks just like their dear daughter and they know she always tells the truth.
God wants us to be innocent. He wants us to believe in others. But others are not always trustworthy. Jesus tried to warn the innocent. He said in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” He said in Matthew 16:6, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” He said in Mark 12:38, “Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the synagogues: which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.”
There is a lot to beware of. If anything it is easier to spread lies now than ever before because of our mass media tools. Let’s listen to Jesus and beware before we fall into their trap and become spreaders of their lies.
Written by Roger Bothwell on October 16, 2008
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574