Be wary of deceptive spirits and false teachings

 

 

Be wary of manipulative leaders

 

Why does the media lie to us?

 

 

It’s important to be savvy consumers of online information

 

Be wise, be discerning. THINK…before acting, posting, speaking.

Media Spin And Invented Reality

If people create their own “reality” and then that invented “reality” gets repeated often enough by sources with some perceived credibility, that concept is likely to become accepted by many as factual reality even if there is clear evidence to the contrary or compelling reasons for doubt.

This is well-known by those who manipulate information and it frequently happens in the world of media spin.  This is particularly true in the field of politics but it certainly happens in other fields, as well.

What bothers me is how often I still get fooled by this manipulation even though I’m aware that it occurs.  Those who do this are very effective at it.

Challenge:  Be wise, aware and discerning consumers of information.

Discernment And Getting Good Advice

Sometimes people give us advice with sincerity and good intentions but the nature of their advice, if it is followed, will make things worse.  It is good and helpful to receive wise counsel.  But an important aspect of receiving wise counsel involves discernment.  Be aware and use good judgment when it comes to the source of the advice.

Discernment Regarding Mistakes

Some mistakes offer great life lessons and are actually helpful, valuable experiences.  Some mistakes, however, have serious long-term, negative consequences.  These second types of mistakes are, obviously, the ones to avoid.  An aspect of wisdom and good judgment involves having a sense of the difference between these two kinds of mistakes.

Ask For The Blessing Of "Discernment"

Discernment is similar to wisdom.  It is a valuable aptitude that helps us distinguish the sometimes subtle and not-so-obvious difference between bad advice and good advice, between the foolish path and the wise path.  It is always a good idea to ask God to bless us with discernment.

Discerning Between Truth And Falsehood

Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth. When those of us who are followers of Christ are able to accurately discern between falsehood and truth, that discernment is a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.