Any doubt, then don't!

Years ago I wrote a blog titled, Fake or Real- how can you tell the difference? That writing addressed mainly how to tell if a friend is a real friend or not? With this writing I wanted to approach a similar topic from a different angle.

Between Social Media and the incredible amount of Fake News out there, it is getting harder and harder to know what truth really is when you read or hear it? Is what being sold really what the advertisement says it is? Should I go out and buy up all of the toilet paper I see because the world will be on lock down tomorrow? Sound familiar?!

There are a couple of things I have started doing to help me feel like I am getting more accurate information. 

Instead of immediately reading and believing an article that states so and so died, as an example, I will look up the person and see if they really did die? If I am more interested in the person or the situation I will start researching the latest news on the topic. I can't tell you how many times, over the years, I have read that Dick Van Dyke died. To my knowledge (at the time of this writing) he just celebrated his 99th birthday! It's sad that you can't rely on what you read on-line as being accurate but it is the way of our current world. 

I will also reach out to trusted sources for their knowledge on say, World Events. I will go to someone that I know ie my husband or other trusted friends, as he/they have typically done there own research. I will ask their opinion on what is being conveyed about the subject. Then I take that information and have a starting place for me to do my own research. 

Thankfully I have another resource I can go to, to help me navigate through the information I am receiving- The Holy Spirit of God that dwells within me. He is not only in me to bring comfort and peace, while changing me into the image of Christ, but He is also there to help me know what is truth.

I believe when we become more prayerful and in tune with the Spirit of God that lives within us, He- Who is all knowing- will open our spiritual ears and guide us into all truth. Now how does that work? 

You know that little voice deep inside that speaks in your head/heart and says, "I don't know, I wouldn't do that" or "go ahead and watch that show, you know you want to" Is that voice your subconscious or could it be God speaking to you? Maybe it's the devil and his forces. The image of the good angel on one shoulder and the bad angel on the other trying to speak in our ears comes to mind. 

Maybe the thoughts are coming from some outside influence that you have welcomed into your mind as truth. What about the people you are hanging around with or the shows you watch on TV? How can you tell what is truth and how can you make wise decisions?

If you have invited the Holy Spirit of God to live within you that's a great beginning. Through His indwelling He is there to help guide you into all truth. That said how do you hear His Voice to get help making choices that are good for you?

 

We have been given a great tool to help us get to know all about Who God is, what His plans are for our lives today and what the future holds for us all, the Holy Bible. If we begin to study those writings and learn about the character of God- Who created all things- we will know better what He would do or not do in a given situation. That can then become our base line for judging our inner voice. Remember the phrase What Would Jesus Do, WWJD? How do we know what Jesus would do without getting to know Who Jesus really was? His life story is found in the Bible.

You see the Bible, which has been around much longer than the current Digital Social Media/Fake News phenomenon, has manuscripts dating back to the 2nd century BC and has stood the test of time.

If you get a thought, for example, that says, "I want that bracelet so why not just take it, no one is around and no one will see".... Now is that thought in line with God's character? God gave to Moses 10 commandments found in the Old Testament and that story is in the book of Exodus in the Bible. You've probably have seen the movie, The Ten Commandments. 

These commandments were given to Moses to share with the people to serve as a foundational moral code, outlining the core principles of how to live a righteous life according to the Abrahamic religions, primarily focusing on one's relationship with God and with other people, by providing guidelines on behaviors to uphold and actions to avoid. One of the 10  commandments is the following.

“You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15 ESV

Because I have accepted the whole Bible and all that is in it as truth, I would say then- no that thought is not from God and therefore reject that thought! God only wants the very best for us. The devil will want to direct us to anything that is contrary to what God wants for us. 

(Jesus said) The thief (devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.  John 10:10 ESV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  1Peter 5:8 ESV

God, being the creator of everything is the foundation of truth and therefore can be trusted. I know that this sounds pretty basic but if you can begin to apply that moral code, taken from the Bible, to your own life you might be able to start seeing your choices through different eyes. God encourages us to seek Him for direction.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  James 1:5  ESV

I will take this questioning even a step further. If you attend a church and hear someone preaching from the pulpit and they say something that doesn't sit well with you, go and check what is being said against the Bible. People are fallible, even those you highly respect. They may have the very best of intentions but even they might be a little off. 

If you are one who has welcomed the Spirit of God into your life and you have studied the Bible for years, you can still be faced with thoughts and questions that you just don't know if they are from God or not? A suggestion someone gave me years ago is- if it is a decision that is needing to be made right now, and you don't have time to do the research, and if there is any doubt don't do it! In other words if I don't feel a deep peace in my heart about the decision or choice, then I don't do it. 

I think I wrote this out before but it's worth retelling. Years ago I was rushed, at least to my own timetable, and had to make a decision on uprooting my life and moving out of state. I was torn as I didn't want to leave but my husband at the time was set on it. I sought out a dear sister in the Lord and shared with her my struggle. She said, "Even if it is not God's highest for you to move He will use it for your good. So put your trust in Him."

She then quoted the following...

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

You are not alone and do not need to be fearful of making the wrong decision. He's got you and only wants the very best for you!

Here is what I would like to close with. Hopefully it will help to bring you some peace~

“These things I (Jesus) have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.    John 14:25-27 ESV