In the modern world, we can agree there is no shortage of information. We are constantly surrounded by voices wanting to help us understand every subject under the sun. However, in our quest for gathering accurate information, we also realize that most of what we listen to, especially political news, is sprinkled with half-truths, speculations and biased observations. The bottom line is that we actually know very little about facts and depend heavily on outside sources to relay to us what they have heard.
Imagine what we would know if there were no television, radio, newspaper, telephone, internet or any type of media communication. Knowing about state, national or world events would be comparable to those who lived 200 years ago. Yes, we have certain convictions about social and spiritual issues, but for the most part, our views are shaped not by what we positively know to be a fact but rather by trusting what someone has told us.
When it comes to our spiritual perspectives, Christians have God’s Word and his Spirit that speaks directly to us, along with pastors and teachers who give us their interpretations, but again we must be discerning with the knowledge we gather. I have a friend in his 80s who is known for saying that he listens to everything, but when it comes to politics and religion, he keeps his opinions to himself. He believes that political and spiritual views are deeply personal and a sure way to cause arguments, divisions and make enemies.
This is true, but I also believe especially from an evangelical perspective we should not be intimidated when God provides an opportunity to share our faith. When it comes to divine appointments, we are reminded of St. Francis, who said that we should “preach everywhere, and only use words if necessary.” This emphasizes the need to demonstrate Christ instead of just talking about him. Christians are not secret agents but are called to be ready and equipped to explain what we believe and why, even when it’s not popular.
We are emotional beings, but we cannot afford to be controlled by them. One of the most difficult challenges is to develop our spiritual discernment to the point where we know the difference between God’s voice and everyone else’s, including our own. Have you noticed when you sense the Holy Spirit beckoning for you to say or do something, immediately there are resisting persuasions trying to talk you out of it? No doubt, there are powerful forces at work attacking our thoughts and trying to distort and control our attitudes, emotions and especially our obedience to Christ. Fear wants to manipulate, but we have the choice to allow it to dominate us or to resist it.