It’s getting insulting.
How many times have you seen or heard a news story lately with horrible accusations, but later a video will come out to disprove what was said?
The damage is already done. We’ve been mislead or maybe even used, and the lies run rampant across the Internet.
Retracting a story has become nearly impossible because of the Internet and the variety of news outlets and social media. One really good lie can destroy the reputation of an individual or group. If you are repeating the accusations you heard on the news, no matter how well meaning you are – it may amount to gossip or bearing false witness. These days, it may run wild before you can retrieve it.
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:16
I have seen out of context video. Yes, the clip was carefully edited. The result was an audience deceived. Later the unaltered version was shown. I’ve also heard lies passed as truth, but the real story later emerged with the full video. Sometimes cameras can be a blessing.
Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Proverbs 24:28-29
There are arguments breaking out online, offline, on the television, and on the radio. All of this fuss, commotion, and hurt feelings over a bunch of lies. The more they are repeated, the more they are believed. If we are not careful, we will let a bunch of lies tear our country, our friendships, and our families apart as we react to the lies and then to each other.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9
Keep your eyes open for the tricks of Satan. Stand for the truth. Don’t be caught unwittingly participating in the spreading of lies or gossip. It does reflect back on you – unfortunately – even if it was accidental.
Do continue to pray for revival. Our country sure could use one right about now.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to pause before you speak. Before you repeat what you saw or heard in the news – or elsewhere – pause and think. Ask yourself if this is for the edification of the saints. Does this bring glory to God? Does this bring us closer together or aid in tearing our relationships down? If you wait a while, you may find that what you heard was not the real story. It could save you some embarrassment. If you tell it, it could turn out to be gossip or result in your bearing false witness.