The Road To: Misdirection Or Truth?

The road to: Misdirection or Truth?

In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with information, and it can be difficult to discern fact from opinion. As we've explored the theme of “Wisdom of the Ages” this summer, it's crucial to ask ourselves: how can we be wise in the face of so much intentional misdirection? Where do we find reliable truth?

A conventional definition of wisdom is the ability to make good decisions based on knowledge and judgment. However, the philosopher Socrates offered a different perspective, famously stating, "Wisdom begins with knowing you know nothing." This suggests that true wisdom lies in recognizing our own ignorance and the need to question everything—especially "facts" presented to us.

The Bible also offers guidance on this topic. The story of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 provides a powerful lesson in deception. After the Israelites' victories, the Gibeonites, fearing defeat, used misdirection to secure a treaty. They appeared to be weary travelers from a distant land, and the Israelites, trusting their appearance and claims, made a covenant with them. The text reveals the Israelites’ critical error: "they did not ask for the counsel of the Lord" (Joshua 9:14). They failed to ask the right questions and, as a result, were deceived.

This ancient lesson is highly relevant today. While we have tools like search engines to investigate information, our most essential resources are prayer and divine counsel. Like a magician's act, misdirection can lead us away from the truth and cause us to lose our way. We need to hone our observational skills and ask many questions, but prayer and God's word serve as our anchors. As Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

God’s word offers us understanding and helps us navigate the confusing messages that surround us. Prayer, in turn, helps us to reflect on what is true and to seek God's guidance.

Here is a prayer to help us in this journey:

"Lord, we live in a world full of information and differing opinions. It can be overwhelming and confusing. Protect us from biased information and outright deception. Help us to find and speak your truth. Amen."

Praying for you,

PB

Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) welcomes all people into God’s way of life and community.

“Community” means those we know well and those we hope to know, those sitting next to us in a pew, and those we encounter day by day. It’s large and expansivew. It’s small and intimate.

Community Presbyterian Church
32202 Del Obispo
San Juan Capistrano. CA 92675
949-493-1502 
info@sjcpres.org