We are engaged in a war of information, bombarded by narratives that desensitize us to news, from the sensationalized horror to the quiet acts of kindness.
Even when we glance at a headline, our ability to discern fact from fabrication is diminished: we cannot trust legacy media nor the views of every person claiming to be an expert.
In a world advancing faster than our ability to process, we are left jostling too many keys to unlock truth. As a result, many find themselves carrying on without building a foundational belief system.
Walking wherever life takes them, some choose the path of least resistance until they find themselves cursing the path for its pitfalls and, ultimately, blaming the path itself.
The path will be what it is. The question is, who will you be on the path?
We should ask God to prepare us for whatever the path may yield.
Only when our foundation is tested do we take an honest inventory of the strength of our spiritual fortitude. We are wrought with heaviness by the keys we have collected along the way; their clanging deafens us and distracts us from the manipulation that continually attempts to turn our hearts from God. Just look at everything from ads to artificial intelligence… nothing is off limits in its endeavors to distort truth.
One of Satan’s old tricks is to keep us doubting just enough so that we believe in nothing with certainty — in this, we become tolerant travelers, numb to our purpose and simply folks trying to survive another week.
Friend, you were made for more.
And yet, our inability to trust who, what, and when weakens our peace, purpose, and presence.
Truth and trust are two hands on the same body. Depending upon the condition of the heart, these hands will invest in building or destroying God’s kingdom.
There is no middle ground: you are either tending to the roots you’ve planted firmly in God’s Word, or you’re being rooted out by the world.
We need to start holding our living accountable — taking ownership of our beliefs, including what we choose to see, watch, participate in, and decline.
Speak truth in love, protect your peace, and do not minimize your purpose.
Become self-aware of the impact of your words and actions rather than simply being a consumer and reactor.
We have gotten so fat on information that we cannot see how dumb and numb we are becoming. We are forming ourselves into what Satan desires: ineffective Believers. Yes, we say we believe. Heck, we can even point out the sins of others, read a devotional, and quote scripture. But how effective are we in truly living out our beliefs?
What is the value of the space you occupy and the minutes you spend? And who ultimately owns that space and time?
As Believers, we should be leaving a legacy of kingdom-building that points to Christ long after we have taken our final breath on this earth.
From dust to dust, we are called to serve and praise God. In our dedicated surrender, we become a natural extension of the love we have received through Christ’s grace, exemplifying the transformative power of pursuing Him above all.
Examine the weight you carry into each day.
Are there areas in your life where you can reduce the information overload and distractions, allowing you to spend quality time connecting with the Word of God?
What useless keys are you holding onto? In this war of information, take heed to safeguard what you willingly open yourself to. Some doors should remain closed.
Distraction and excess are ploys meant to weaken your witness and tire your discipline in building spiritual muscles for the battle ahead.
And the battle is much closer than you think.
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.