Don't Be Lazy When Digesting News

"... the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines." Proverbs 18:17

With the political season ramping up again, I will probably repeat this several times over the next two years. What do you know, and how do you know it? I'm seeing very ugly comments about issues and people, coming out of the mouths (and fingers) of people who should know better … but maybe that's the point. No matter how much you want it to happen, you WILL NOT have truth spoon fed to you. It is your responsibility to dig, and ask questions, and listen to other perspectives, and come to your own conclusions. With that said, here are some things you can count on:

1. Where do you get your news? How do you know it's accurate? The most effective lies are the ones that only tell a portion of the truth. Most people are deceived, not because they don't know the truth, but because they only know part of the truth.

2. EVERY news outlet has to filter what they distribute. They only have so much time on air, or so much space on the page. They tell you what they think is most important. The rest of the story, if they even know it, remains untold. Always keep this in mind.

3. There are flame throwers on both sides. If you really care about an issue, it YOUR job to explore every angle, and let every "side" tell their story. If you only listen to one side, you will be deceived.

4. With rare exception, stories with which I have personal knowledge are broadcast or published with errors, incomplete information, or outright falsehoods. Don't believe everything you see or hear.

5. There are people with power, from every political stripe (and in every organization, including the church and your workplace), that have learned to divide and conquer. Every time you fall for the "us versus them" argument, you've already lost. If you demonize your opponent, you've lost. One of the reasons the Constitution of the United States is such a powerful document is because it starts with, "We the People …" Don't let people put you in a box, and don't let people put others who disagree with you in a box. Us versus Them will NEVER be as powerful as We.

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