“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:14–16, ESV)
Two men sat down for coffee at a diner this week. They are best friends. One said to the other, “I saw on MSNBC last night a commentator that said we need to think a certain way about everything that was happening with the government shutdown. Then I saw on FOX NEWS that Antifa protestors wanted people to be open to the possibility that the government needs to be overthrown. There is so much conflict in the news. Who’s telling the truth?”
It was a great question. The friend answered the question by saying, “I only know that the media is great at spinning lies. I have learned to trust my Bible and Jesus. As for the rest, it’s hard to figure out the truth with all the bull.”
When the media or the world spins the truth, it is their attempt to brainwash you. They want you to believe their narrative. They want you to side with their agenda. The world is full of conflict, because worldly people want you to take sides, believe the lies, and more. What is often not seen are the evil forces at work in the world spinning the truth, manipulating the facts, jockeying for money from the side that will offer more promise. Your mission from God in this world is to separate fact from fiction, find the truth, and make sure to trust in God throughout the process. That is not an easy mission when lots of liars tell you what to believe, when pastors are manipulated by worldly ideals, and when media is better at propaganda than being honest.
You may think all the brainwashing that is going on is new. Hardly. Even in New Testament times, governments and groups sought to manipulate the truth for their own benefit. That’s why Paul wrote to the Roman church “not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Paul knew that evil forces in the world are in a battle with God for the truth. These evil forces are behind the propaganda and brainwashing that is used to conform people to certain ways of thinking. If you fall into their trap, worldly philosophies and ideals will shape your beliefs. Worldly thoughts will cloud your judgment. You will lose your connection with God. God’s voice will be drowned out while the world shouts out its propaganda in an effort to brainwash your way of thinking.
In the 1990’s, Billy Graham wrote the following words:
“We Christians are not to be conformed to this world in the way we think. The world by its advertisements, its conversation, and its philosophy is engaged in a gigantic brainwashing. Not always consciously but sometimes unconsciously, the Christian is beset by secular and worldly propaganda, calling us to live for ourselves and to put things and selfish pleasures ahead of God. The world’s sewage system threatens to contaminate the stream of Christian thought.
However, above the din we can hear the voice of Scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
Time yourself the next time you read the Bible and pray. Compare it to the amount of time you spend watching television or surfing the Internet. Is God getting His share of your time and attention? Is the world shaping your mind—or is Christ?” (p. 56, Hope for Each Day).
Our scripture reading for today speaks to this conflict between worldly thoughts and God’s truth. In Philippians 3, we are taught to be “mature” people of God by “thinking in a certain way” (Philippians 3:15). We must not follow the wisdom of the world or fall for their values and ideals. Instead, Philippians 3:16 tells us that God will “reveal” to you the truth so you can figure out the lies of the world. That is the only way to overcome the intense brainwashing of the world.
Nobody knows who said the following, but it sure echoes with the truth, “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." So much of what you know and have been taught has been carefully curated by bright minds. It may be very difficult to separate out God’s honest truth. But that is part of being faithful. That is why God gave you the Bible, sent Jesus, and whispers through the Holy Spirit. God attempts to teach you the truth to overcome the brainwashing and lies of worldly people. Only by faith in God and trust in God’s word can you ever overcome the onslaught of media pushed at you every day.
How much do you trust in God’s truth? Have you felt doubts creeping into your mind as worldly forces attempt to sway your opinion? 1 Thessalonians 5:21 reminds you to “test everything; while holding fast to what is good.” That is where we will end today in this meditation. Test everything you hear and read and see by the Word of God. If you are obedient, God will “reveal” to you the truth necessary for eternal life. Don’t be brainwashed by the lies of modernity.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, I am having a difficult time weeding out the truth from all the lies I hear every day. Even when my heart is desiring to be obedient, doubts and lies can cause me to question Your truth. Forgive me, Lord, for my weakness to entertain lies. Help me to see Your truth. Keep me faithful. When I wander away from You, bring me back!
I pray today for this fallen world. So many people have fallen prey to evil forces. They bought into the lies told by media. They have forgotten to listen for Your Holy Spirit and trust in Your Word. I, too, am guilty of drifting away from Your truth. I, too, have been swayed by temptations and lies. Thankfully, Your forgiveness has cleansed my soul. Your wisdom has inspired my thoughts. Your truth has kept me honest with myself.
Today, I once again stand with Jesus. I accept Your truth. I desire to be obedient in thought, word, and deed. I believe in Your, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
It was a great question. The friend answered the question by saying, “I only know that the media is great at spinning lies. I have learned to trust my Bible and Jesus. As for the rest, it’s hard to figure out the truth with all the bull.”
When the media or the world spins the truth, it is their attempt to brainwash you. They want you to believe their narrative. They want you to side with their agenda. The world is full of conflict, because worldly people want you to take sides, believe the lies, and more. What is often not seen are the evil forces at work in the world spinning the truth, manipulating the facts, jockeying for money from the side that will offer more promise. Your mission from God in this world is to separate fact from fiction, find the truth, and make sure to trust in God throughout the process. That is not an easy mission when lots of liars tell you what to believe, when pastors are manipulated by worldly ideals, and when media is better at propaganda than being honest.
You may think all the brainwashing that is going on is new. Hardly. Even in New Testament times, governments and groups sought to manipulate the truth for their own benefit. That’s why Paul wrote to the Roman church “not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Paul knew that evil forces in the world are in a battle with God for the truth. These evil forces are behind the propaganda and brainwashing that is used to conform people to certain ways of thinking. If you fall into their trap, worldly philosophies and ideals will shape your beliefs. Worldly thoughts will cloud your judgment. You will lose your connection with God. God’s voice will be drowned out while the world shouts out its propaganda in an effort to brainwash your way of thinking.
In the 1990’s, Billy Graham wrote the following words:
“We Christians are not to be conformed to this world in the way we think. The world by its advertisements, its conversation, and its philosophy is engaged in a gigantic brainwashing. Not always consciously but sometimes unconsciously, the Christian is beset by secular and worldly propaganda, calling us to live for ourselves and to put things and selfish pleasures ahead of God. The world’s sewage system threatens to contaminate the stream of Christian thought.
However, above the din we can hear the voice of Scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
Time yourself the next time you read the Bible and pray. Compare it to the amount of time you spend watching television or surfing the Internet. Is God getting His share of your time and attention? Is the world shaping your mind—or is Christ?” (p. 56, Hope for Each Day).
Our scripture reading for today speaks to this conflict between worldly thoughts and God’s truth. In Philippians 3, we are taught to be “mature” people of God by “thinking in a certain way” (Philippians 3:15). We must not follow the wisdom of the world or fall for their values and ideals. Instead, Philippians 3:16 tells us that God will “reveal” to you the truth so you can figure out the lies of the world. That is the only way to overcome the intense brainwashing of the world.
Nobody knows who said the following, but it sure echoes with the truth, “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." So much of what you know and have been taught has been carefully curated by bright minds. It may be very difficult to separate out God’s honest truth. But that is part of being faithful. That is why God gave you the Bible, sent Jesus, and whispers through the Holy Spirit. God attempts to teach you the truth to overcome the brainwashing and lies of worldly people. Only by faith in God and trust in God’s word can you ever overcome the onslaught of media pushed at you every day.
How much do you trust in God’s truth? Have you felt doubts creeping into your mind as worldly forces attempt to sway your opinion? 1 Thessalonians 5:21 reminds you to “test everything; while holding fast to what is good.” That is where we will end today in this meditation. Test everything you hear and read and see by the Word of God. If you are obedient, God will “reveal” to you the truth necessary for eternal life. Don’t be brainwashed by the lies of modernity.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, I am having a difficult time weeding out the truth from all the lies I hear every day. Even when my heart is desiring to be obedient, doubts and lies can cause me to question Your truth. Forgive me, Lord, for my weakness to entertain lies. Help me to see Your truth. Keep me faithful. When I wander away from You, bring me back!
I pray today for this fallen world. So many people have fallen prey to evil forces. They bought into the lies told by media. They have forgotten to listen for Your Holy Spirit and trust in Your Word. I, too, am guilty of drifting away from Your truth. I, too, have been swayed by temptations and lies. Thankfully, Your forgiveness has cleansed my soul. Your wisdom has inspired my thoughts. Your truth has kept me honest with myself.
Today, I once again stand with Jesus. I accept Your truth. I desire to be obedient in thought, word, and deed. I believe in Your, my Lord and Savior. Amen.