By David ReayFriday 27 May 2022LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
The gullible believe anything they’re told; the prudent sift and weigh every word. (THE MESSAGE)
We are aware that certain individuals in West Africa and elsewhere want to offer us untold wealth or eternal romance if only we will give them our personal details. We are aware of scams closer to home that promise riches beyond measure if we will entrust ourselves to the one doing the offering.
Within Christian circles there is a disturbing degree of gullibility when certain stories are relayed to us or when certain information is shared. We can find ourselves believing rather outlandish things just because a friend has passed things on to us. We tend to unthinkingly believe anything which conforms to our own viewpoint, or reinforces our own prejudices. We succumb to a version of Chinese whispers. What reaches our ears or our eyes has lost all connection with what might have been originally true.
Sadly, for some of us it has got to the point where we are more likely to trust reputable hoax checking websites rather than some story passed on to us by well meaning but gullible fellow believers.
It is our responsibility to weigh up what we hear or read and not assume its truth. Particularly if we want to pass such things on to others. That does not make us cynics, but it does make us cautious and prudent. We serve a God of truth and integrity. Being loose with the truth does him a disservice.
Blessings,
David