It has become increasingly common to hear about “misinformation.” News outlets are accused (or accuse competing outlets) of “fake news.” Political pundits proclaim their opponents are waging misinformation campaigns. And social media platforms have implemented fact-checkers, many of which require fact-checking themselves. “Misinformation,” “fake news,” and “fact-checking” might be new buzzwords, but the situation is nothing new. Deception has been practiced for a long, long time.
In Jesus’ day, He was often the target of vicious claims aimed to undermine His influence. In perhaps the most egregious form of misinformation in history, the Pharisees claimed of Jesus, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.”[1]Such a claim was not just fake news—it was blasphemous. But it reminds us of an important truth. There always have been, and always will be, people who hate the truth and are willing to tell the darkest lies to fight the light. Don’t be a victim of spiritual misinformation. Trust in God and the truth of His Word.
[1] Matthew 12:24