Information

<<facts, data, statistics>>

This is the ‘information age’; an overabundance of facts, figures and opinions abound from numerous sources. Some of this is biased and misleading, without any solid basis of research or truth to substantiate its claims. We should be discerning and careful not to be lead astray by what sounds plausible.

To a large degree information governs our decisions and actions so ensure it is the truth, not gossip, biased opinion or propaganda from someone with their own agenda. As Christians, we should check out the spiritual teaching we receive against the Scriptures, not just blindly accepting all that is spoken

Only follow what is true

as there are false teachers who would lead stray into deception and heresy by false doctrine (Mt 24:4-24; Act 17:11). There is a solemn warning especially for Bible teachers not to add to or take from the message of God but to correctly understand and speak the truths of Scripture (Deut 4:1,2, 12:32; 2 Tim 2:15; Rev 22:18,19).

Rahab gave false information (blatant lies) to protect the Israelites spies she was hiding (Josh 2:1-6). Although she deceived the King of Jericho she was commended for her faith in God (Heb 11:31). While she broke a lesser principle of not telling the truth to uphold a greater principle of protecting God’s people, this is not a license to tell lies for we are to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:25). The information we pass on should be true, beneficial and uplifting, not what is unprofitable gossip or criticism which is best left unsaid, especially when considering we will be held accountable for what we say (Mt 12:36).

We may not know all the answers yet this should not stop us from sharing our experience of Christ as we witness to those who don’t know Him, for “We cannot but tell what God has done” (Jn 9:25; Act 4:20; 1 Jn 1:1). Without hearing about Jesus, people remain locked in ignorance and sin,

Information only leads to transformation when acted on

unaware of the change He can bring (Rom 10:14). Christianity is not about amassing information; rather its core value is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This connection to Him is developed and consolidated through increasing our knowledge and understanding of Biblical principles and insights yet never allows the facts to replace a passion for the one about whom they speak. Information or facts won’t necessarily change our hearts, but an encounter with God will, resulting in transformed lives. Jesus said, hearing His teachings, with mental acceptance but without putting them into practice has disastrous results while living by His truth, taking appropriate action, based on His words, brings blessing and safety (Mt 7:24-27).