Guarding Our Faith

     In high school, I had a wonderful teacher who told us to approach news shows, magazines and newspapers with caution.  He said we needed to read more than one source in order to get a balanced view because everyone writes or speaks with a worldview that influences their words.  I have never forgotten that advice.  From writing term papers to giving presentations, I always made certain I had several sources.  In reality, there is only one source that holds truth and that is the Bible.  For the Christian, this is not only the foundation for our faith but also, the guide for our lives.  What God loves, we are to love and what God hates (sin), we are to hate this as well.  

     With that said, we need to look at current events today (which are tumultuous) through the eyes of the Bible.  There are tons of conspiracy theories floating around and rumors after a contested election.  Some people are panicked, others are upset, and with the pandemic, a lot of fear abounds.  However, Jesus Christ spoke words of comfort to His disciples not only as He discussed His imminent death but also for His future return.  He knew the disciples would suddenly have their world rocked as He went to the cross.  They would be confused, fearful and uncertain in the aftermath, and He wanted to offer them assurance that all would be well if they trusted in Him.  John 14:1 says:  "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me."  Then, again, in verse 27, He says:  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

     What Jesus told the disciples then is the same advice for us today.  His Word will never pass away though everything else will some day.  We can take this to the bank as my father used to say.  We must not let the circumstances of this world determine or shape our outlook.  Jesus says we can trust Him and the plan God has for each of our lives.  We are not here in this time in history by chance.  We are here by design and for a purpose which can get lost if we give in to lies, rumors and fear.

     In his letter to a young pastor Timothy, whom the Apostle Paul had trained, He advises Timothy not to give in to fear.  2 Timothy 1:7 tells us:  "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  These words apply to us all as believers.  God is more than able to carry us through the changes and uncertainties.  So who is it that is spreading the rumors or theories that confuse us?  The answer is very clear.

     Speaking to the Pharisees and religious leaders who challenged Jesus, He spoke very directly to them because they could not accept the truth.  In John 8:44, He said to them:  "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."  Of course, the Lord was speaking of Satan who brings confusion, condemnation, fear, murder, lies and misunderstanding to all those who do not believe in Jesus Christ.  The Enemy of our Souls also wants to stir up believers so they will question God. We become ineffective when we fall into fear.  This is why it is so important in our present day and age not to believe any story that comes along.  Instead, check it out and see if it is so...remembering that the Bible is the foundation for our truth.

     Of all people, Christians need to trust the Lord to see us through the hard places of life.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.  We aren't guaranteed we will know what is going to happen, but we know He holds the future.  Therefore, let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.  The Bible tells us that if we stand our ground the devil will flee from us.  The key for us to remember is not to believe everything you see or hear.  We need to research something before we accept it as truth and compare it to the Word of God which guides us daily.  Selah!