“Are you learning to say things after listening to God, or are you saying things and trying to make God’s word fit in?” Oswald Chambers
I used to consume podcasts like they were going out of style. I lived in politics like it was the most important subject on the earth. My heart became jaded, my attitude was a wasteland and I was alienating my family with the vitriol for all things political that had solidified in my heart.
Oh be careful little ears what you hear, be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little mouth what you say. Be careful little heart whom you trust and be careful little mind what you think. These words are so simple yet so profound, why? Because the Father up above is looking down with love. We teach children these songs, yet cannot use those words to apply to our lives. We are too sophisticated, are we not? Jesus said that God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.
A simple song has a profound message
This song has been running through my head most of the evening. I’ve found myself becoming more and more frustrated with certain popular podcasters who claim themselves bearers of all truth and nothing but the truth. They say it with such certainty that you would think that God Himself had handed these assumptions down from the mountain much like the Ten Commandments. Factions have formed of pro-podcast “truth tellers” and it has caused folks who used to believe that these once level headed individuals have taken leave of their wits. Ugliness is encouraged by those in possession of their truth and any that dare to question their motives will be slandered to the utmost by Christians and non-Christians.
What in the world is happening?
I have a theory, it once again begins with the forever loser whose purpose is to sow division amongst like minded individuals and well, everyone else because he’s awful to the core. He will wreck your life, skew your mindset and steal all that is good before you can have your morning coffee. He’s been doing it since he was hurled from Heaven long ago. The enemy, the great deceiver, is convincing the foolish that they are wise. He has slithered in and caused pride to take the place of humble truth seeking. Slander has come to the forefront rather than respectful discourse and attention is pulled in every direction except for the pursuit of God’s perfect truth.
Podcasts can be a soul sucking trap
Dear ones, that is what is happening right now with once “trusted” truth tellers in the conservative and liberal world. With that in mind, how can we respond with God’s love and truth to others who have fallen in this trap? Below you will find some questions that you can ask yourself when listening. You don’t have to remember them all, but they are a good rule of thumb when navigating the sea of information.
- Does the podcaster point to Jesus?
- Is the attitude self-focused on what they found and their one-upmanship rather than seeking God’s truth?
- Does the podcaster curse others? Those words carry weight in eternity and they are not a good idea!
- Does the podcaster slander anyone who dares question their motives?
- Is the person presenting the information humbly or with pride? Pride goes before a fall (I’d be shaking in my boots because God hates pride)
- Does the information and the spirit cause division and fear? God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
- Are you encouraged or demoralized after listening to the pompous pontifications?
- Is a roadmap given to positive change or information that can help the situation?
- Do they make themselves the sole arbiter of truth concerning the situation?
- Do you see joy in the situation?
What is the aim of the enemy?
- To sow division
- To question truth in a malicious way
- To prey on the weak minded women searching for a purpose in life
- Is there Godly dignity in this searching or intentional shaming?
Where the spirit of the Lord is there is unity
When you are placed in a position of influence, there is an eternal weight that comes with this responsibility. You will answer for your actions when you leave this world. Beware of those who say Christ is King, yet their lives sow nothing but division. A true interest in the truth does not cause others to receive threats to their lives and family. God’s truth sets us free from fear. Whatever is true, honest, just, pure lovely of good report or praise. Ponder those things.
Is prayer the focus or pride?
It is okay to seek the truth in a circumstance, but what is the motivation? Many people with a big microphone fancy themselves as a David that is taking on Goliath. When that mantle is assumed without God’s blessing or backing, the consequences will inevitably hurt many people during the stone throwing. When the Lord builds the house, David will slay the giant and truth will be declared.
Discernment is key
In each of these instances, Discernment is key and God’s Word can give us wisdom through prayer and study. I don’t know about you, but I’ve grown tired of the “Jesus turned over tables” attitude that is a thin veil being used to be rude and cruel. God gave us the tools to be His representatives on earth, will you use them? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Put down the phone, take off your shoes and touch some grass. I would add, say some prayers, seek God’s truth and let Him choose His David to take on the societal Goliath. God bless you, dear readers.
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