Many Voices - One Truth

I recently read something that really stirred my heart, and I felt like I needed to share it with you. Here's what made me think:

"Do not measure teaching by how affirmed you feel. Measure it by its fruit. Does it produce humility, peace, and obedience, or restlessness, resentment, and self focus. Many voices speak partial truth, which makes discernment essential. “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21 ESV) (Kelly | By Wisdom Built)

In context, Paul was addressing the Christian community in Thessalonica, giving them guidance and encouragement on how to live peacefully and support one another. He emphasized the importance of respecting faith leaders and maintaining a healthy Christian community.

We should exercise caution both when receiving information and when sharing or spreading content within our community. I chuckled as I wondered if Paul actually thought of the day in which we live, when we must be more diligent than ever to test all things. Especially now, with AI becoming so widely used, how can we be sure what is good and true?

This passage also makes me question whether my ministry can be measured by fruit – humility, peace, and obedience. Or, am I leading others to believe partial truths that weaken faith or cast doubt, lead to restlessness, resentment, and/or self-affirmation?

Paul said it very plainly: "Many voices speak partial truth, which makes discernment essential." (v 20)

Consider everything we read on the internet daily. Most of us will encounter a "Christian meme" or two during the day. Without even taking the time to really discern, we may share it, "love" it, or simply respond with an "Amen"! We do the same with devotionals or quotes, etc. But, do we really take the time to test them by the Word of God? Is it what the biblical author intended it to say? Is it in context? Does its message challenge me to make some changes in my life, or be obedient to the Word of God? Am I offering encouragement at the expense of Truth?

As useful as the internet has been in the study of the Word of God, I believe it can also be a powerful tool in the hands of the enemy to undermine Truth, to escalate doubt, and/or lead people astray.

We (and I'm talking to myself as well) MUST test what we read and receive from anyone and everyone! Paul said many voices speak partial truth, which makes discernment essential. If what we read, hear, or share doesn't align with God's truth, it should be rejected, not further encouraged! There are many voices in today's world, but only one Truth!

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (1 Timothy 3:16-17)

God's Word has a purpose, and it isn't to simply make us feel good about ourselves. If it doesn't at least bite just a little bit, if we're not compelled to realign our thoughts or behavior, then we need to stop and discern how we're interpreting it ... whose lens are we using? Are we bypassing the Truth in exchange for a feel-good moment?

I hope this made sense. Just considering this today left me with some work to do. I want to represent God's Truth in the things I do and say, even if it is difficult... even if it doesn't give me goosebumps. I want to be a vessel for God's glory, a bearer of His Name, and have a pure heart before my God ... amen and amen!

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