Everywhere we turn, someone releases information to us via the internet, TV, radio, or other forms of media. The flow of information comes at us from every direction, 24 hours a day. If we are not careful, we can get so caught up in the storms of current events that we can become emotionally tied or addicted to the next piece of information.
As a researcher and teacher, I am always reading and learning. I love to learn about all kinds of things, but I hate to hear about the events in our nation. However, if I am going to bring relevant information to those I speak with or bring God's word to a situation, I must be informed.
But who should we listen to? We could listen to preachers and Bible teachers all day, but we risk becoming disconnected from the rest of the world. We are told that we are in the world, not of the world. However, we should not be so far removed that we cannot have conversations about the things that matter to others.
There are demonic powers behind everything we are witnessing around us regarding agendas that are not of God. I know this is a true statement because the Bible tells me For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. - Eph 6:12 NKJV
We are in a war between evil and good. The information that is coming at us so fast we cannot keep up is propaganda for the most part. Propaganda is defined as biased or misleading information used to promote a particular purpose. Propaganda often spreads ideas or information, including rumors, to injure an institution and advance the cause of another one. The indoctrination of entire people groups happens via the use of propaganda.
All of us have been indoctrinated with the opinions, points of view, or principles of another. Problems occur when the information poured into us is through a lying spirit and has no validity or proof of truth. Religion indoctrinates, sometimes good and sometimes bad. We raise our children by indoctrination of our beliefs. Right or wrong, we train our children to believe what we say.
But someone much more excellent than us created the truth, the world, life, and everything that pertains to it. These truths can be found in the word of God. Jesus Christ was the word before it became the written word. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. - Jhn 1:1-3
If you are raised with God's truth and stay committed to it, everything in your world, from life to death, values, morals, and other things, will be filtered through it. However, when the world gets hold of a person through the education system via godless professors of science, psychology, or atheism, they may become convinced of something else.
The word of God encourages people to Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. - Pro 22:6
Unfortunately, most believers do not raise their children with a strong foundation in Christ because they were not raised with it. Thus, indoctrination only produces fruit if there is faith in the information. A Spirit-filled, born-again Christ-follower is a faith-filled follower. This person understands the power of faith and puts their hope in God for everything.
With so many lies being forced into our thoughts via the media and arts and entertainment industries, one can get overwhelmed quite easily; peace departs the soul once this happens.
Jesus said that His peace surpasses human understanding. He gives a supernatural peace that is not a peace found in this world. So many people look for tranquilizers to calm their anxiety and anti-depressants to cure their sadness, but the Cure is Jesus Christ. His peace is defined as rest, quietness, and prosperity. The peace of God is a state of tranquility, harmony, and security. Peace and harmony are a result of faith in Jesus Christ.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. - Col 3:15 NKJV
Fear desires to rule our hearts. Anxiety aims to control our going forth. Peace protects the heart and minds of believers. Our minds are under attack, especially since the Covid virus hit the world. Fear came in many forms as it aided in spreading the virus and the lies that went with it.
What we think about takes root in our souls. For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. If we think about a worrisome thing, we become the thing we are worried about, or it comes forth. If we worry that we won't have enough, we will be in lack. If we worry about our spouse cheating on us, we may produce something that will push them away. Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow because today has plenty to worry about.
If we are not healthily doing life today, our worries will produce more unhealthy ways for tomorrow. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. - Phl 4:8 NIV
We must use the word of God to renew the way we think about things. When we hear something that does not line up with the word of God, we must not align ourselves with it either. As the world turns, Jesus said the love of many would grow cold, and many will be offended. Offended people burn bridges, develop strategies to get even, and do many things outside God's character. God's people forgive and choose a life of righteousness, integrity, hope, and love.
Let's pray,
Heavenly Father, I know You see the mess we have gotten ourselves into because we have chosen to have kings rule over us instead of Your prophets and judges. Long ago, You designed the perfect plan, as perfect as a plan can get when it involves humans. They did not follow your ways but cried out for the government to control their lives. Your prophet Samuel tried to warn them, but they would have nothing to do with it. Now we are stuck in a governmental system of control. We have forsaken Your will for our fleshly and finite desires. Forgive us, God, and help us to turn this nation back to You so that You will bless us and be glorified. In Jesus' name, Amen