God's Glory Church

“Therefore, I too, having thoroughly investigated everything from the first wave, wanted to describe it in order for you…” – Luke 1:3

One woman told me about a dispute in her church that nearly split the congregation. Do you know what they argued about? About whether the earth is flat or round! A few months later, news broke of a man of worship who stormed into a restaurant with a gun to save children he believed were being abused in the back room. Neither the children nor the utility room were found in the restaurant. The man was arrested. In both cases, people read conspiracy theories on the Internet and believed them.

Christians are called to be law-abiding citizens (Rom. 13:1-7), and such citizens do not spread false information. In the days of the evangelist Luke, there were many stories about Jesus among the people (Luke 1:1). Some of them were inaccurate. Luka did not believe everything he heard. He essentially became an investigative journalist: he met with eyewitnesses (v. 2), carefully studied everything from the beginning (v. 3), and wrote a Gospel that contains names, dates, and historical facts described by people who saw everything with their own eyes.

We must do the same. Misinformation can seep into our churches. Therefore, fact-checking is a manifestation of love for one’s neighbors (Lk. 10:27). When you hear something sensational, try to check it out. Contact the specialists. Be seekers of truth, not spreaders of error. After all, we worship the One who is full of truth (John 1:14).

Why do you think conspiracy theories spread so quickly? How can you become a truth seeker?

Heavenly Father, help me to distinguish truth from error. Guide me with Your Spirit.

Author: Sheridan Voysey