Patterns of perception in news and politics can be difficult to navigate. Too often it is deceptive news, or things are described as not good, or testimony speaks of no problems and all is rosy. At such times, we need to carefully consider what is happening to produce this perspective. Today I want to explore some ideas to help us navigate a sober and accurate perspective, and treat it fairly. While today’s subject matter seems to ramble, stay with me – it will make sense in the end.
Two stories
Lessons learned
In the first story, the young man focused on an incontrovertible principle (Save money, buy a car) and pursued it. In the second story, there was a principle too: “I need to share life with someone in order to cope“. In the second story, the principle is based on the assumption that someone is needed to help, or share-in, the coping. Potentially, it is a flawed assumption: 1) You do need another to help you cope. You need to master some life skills. 2) The one chosen to help cope may not be a good life partner.The Biblical Truth
A non-Christian reader should be able to acknowledge this principle: We need to release our jaded perspectives in order to move forward. For a Christian this principle is summed up with the word: repentance.
If we look for a definition of repentance in the Bible or a dictionary, the definition usually includes a ‘sorrowful’ heart, contrite spirit, and willingness to change. Releasing a jaded perspective is tough. It requires admitting that things are not working and your perspective is flawed. We need to start with sorrow, or our perspective will not change.
One of the most used bible verses concerning repentance is Psalm 51, when David responded to the adultery he committed with Bathsheba. My focus is on verses 3-7: 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
In verses 3, David acknowledges his bad perspective. We also have to discover that God is in this thought process, whether we like it or not. When we choose not to have God in our life and no one else in the world can interpret our perspective, God can see us.
A weird example: Lets say you are walking along a path and trip on a rock. Perhaps you did not see it. Denying the ‘hazard’ does not prevent the trip action. If we deny God because we cannot see Him, it is like saying there was no rock. Deny Him and we will still trip. If we ignore God, God still sees, His presence in our lives will still happen. When we recognize God we can begin to deal with the hazards in our path that we previously refused to acknowledge.
Verse 5 is really difficult for a non-believer. The concept that I can be a sinner from the point of conception seems like a terrible judgement on humanity. It is a terrible judgement, but it is still true.
The truth is, before I become a Christian, I did not know God. This has an obvious corollary: without faith in God, we are separate and separated from Him. Romans 14:23b says “… everything that does not come from faith is sin.” when I do not know God, I am ‘missing the mark’ — and this is the core definition of sin. Certainly I could get into the theology/concept of sin, but I choose to keep the testimony simple. Separation from God means spiritual death.
The two rules acquired at this point are
- Jaded perspectives need to be dealt with.
- Faith removes our separation from God.
But Dave, you still have not navigated through the concept of Deceptive News. The news may be jaded, or I am jaded, or both. The way to navigate through this is to understand our underlying assumptions and determine the truth. Some News channels provide a singular, narrow perspective. Ask yourself, “why?”. We need to understand the assumptions and the basis for their perspective. We should all encourage free thinking! By following Christ and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit on the presented issues, the truth can be found.