Propaganda is a word that we used to use in such contexts as communist propaganda or socialist propaganda to malign non-democratic governments who were perceived as threats during the Cold War. We believed all that our media reported as truth because they were taught to be impartial. We believed our politicians because they loved their country and wanted the best for us. Unfortunately, there seem to be no more “Honest Abes” in politics and the American media tends to spew out propaganda rather than unbiased facts. American propaganda has spilled over into our churches and Christian lives. The time has come for Christians to leave behind their preferred political parties and focus on truth.
As Christians, we are to strive to live righteous lives. This means speaking the truth, and actually finding the truth behind all the political jockeying. After all, Paul wrote in II Timothy 2:15 & 16 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly (NIV). This means that we need to do our homework when choosing a political candidate, not just take the Party’s word, or the candidate’s word on an issue.
Untruths in politics is not the only genre we need to fact check. It is a true shame that we even need to double check what the media is telling us. Realistically, we have so much information on the internet, it is difficult to ferret out the truth. There are credible reporters, but there are also reporters who do not publish the truth. In cases where there is contradictory information, it’s best to try to find a source that is neutral with no political agenda. What is most important, is to listen to/read the information with an eye to common sense. When the truth is difficult to find, ask God to help you. He will point you in the direction of truth.
This also is where wisdom comes in. Wisdom comes from God who graciously gives it when we ask Him for it. I don’t think we ask God enough for wisdom. He helps us take all the information we are inundated with and winnow it with discernment. Honestly, we can only make wise decisions with God’s directives.
The media can get away with propaganda because many Americans have stuck their heads in the sand and refuse to understand that America can no longer stand on its own. We are part of a global community. If we do not interact with other countries, we are dooming our country to isolation and economic destruction. Instead of building walls, we need to embrace our place in the global world and become a positive influence. I’m not saying, give away American jobs overseas, but we do need to let go of our ignorance and hatred of cultures that are different from our own. It would be my hope that all American citizens had the chance to live in another country and learn that despite differences in societies, we are all human and children of God. I’ve said it before, we all want to be loved and love our children and want the best for them. We want to live comfortable lives and be treated fairly, no matter what government we live under.
As we go to the polls, let’s try our best to vote as we believe God would have us vote, after all He is the one who ultimately puts the leaders of nations in place. Daniel said it so eloquently when God revealed King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its interpretation.
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
-Daniel 2:21-23
Photo credit: The Lantern. 2020 The Lantern Media Group.
