The Challenge of Deciding Who To Trust

 Thanks to the internet, social media, and a 24-7 news cycle we have instant access to more information than at any time in human history. While in many respects this is a tremendous blessing, it is not without some challenges. Information overload is a real problem. This flood of data can overwhelm us. We often have more information than we can process and properly evaluate. What’s actually important and what is just trivia—news froth? At times it can be hard to distinguish. 

But an equally challenging consequence—I would argue the more important one—is sorting reliable information sources from unreliable ones. 

People lie all the time. Anyone can post anything online. They can claim credentials that they do not have. Claiming to be an expert doesn’t make you one. Nor does being cited as an expert by some cable news celebrity mean that you actually know what you’re talking about or that you are above deception. 

People deceive us for lots of reasons. Often the motive is money. Caveat emptor—Let the buyer beware—is a warning far older than the internet. The acquisition of power—especially political power—is another frequent motive. Who among us has not been disappointed when a politician we supported broke a campaign promise? 

Wisely choosing whom you will follow, whether in politics, business, or church life begins with finding people of sound character. Jesus had a lot to say about this, both about its importance and how to assess the character of those who wish to lead us. Here are a few samples:

·         “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” – Matthew 7:15-16

·         “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” – Matthew 12:33-35

·         “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:4-5 

Later James, the brother of Jesus, added these words: 

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” – James 3:13-18 

Finally, the Apostle Paul spelled out nine specific character traits to look for in all Christ followers but especially in our leaders: 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24 

Nine character traits that mark a man or woman whose life is being shaped by the Spirit of God:

·         Love

·         Joy

·         Peace

·         Patience

·         Kindness

·         Goodness

·         Faithfulness

·         Gentleness

·         Self-control 

In the previous verses Paul contrasts these admirable traits with the works of the flesh found in those hostile to the purposes of God:

·         Sexual immorality

·         Impurity

·         Sensuality

·         Idolatry

·         Sorcery

·         Enmity

·         Strife

·         Jealousy

·         Fits of anger

·         Rivalries

·         Dissensions

·         Divisions

·         Envy

·         Drunkenness

·         Orgies 

Consider for a moment the men and women you admire… people who you trust, those whom you go to for information and guidance… the people who influence your own thinking and attitudes. Reflect upon what you know of their public and private lives, the things they say, the things they do, the attitudes they project, the way they treat others. Based on his comments above, how would James evaluate their conduct? Weigh their actions and attitudes against Paul’s two lists: the Fruit of the Spirit and the Works of the Flesh. Do your leaders reflect hearts being shaped by the Holy Spirit or hearts hostile to God? If the latter, how can you continue to follow such a person?