I listened over to know the content of what my younger daughter was reading in her primary school story book. I listened as she read out the conspiracy theory about a disease in Africa and how it was created to reduce the African population. I was surprised to see that such a narrative was being passed across to these little ones. I gently drew her closer and told her; “Don’t believe everything you read in story books.”
Friend, don’t believe everything you read in story books. Yes, there are lots of stories being peddled around, but you need to be discerning to differentiate truth from lies (Hebrews 13:9). Unfortunately, most lies won’t come outrightly as lies. They would be presented as half-truth. But half-truth is still not the truth (Luke 4:9-13).
What do you believe? Whereas the Bible contains a lot of stories, those stories capture the truth about God and the kingdom (Romans 15:4). If you are not close to God and the Bible, you would be fed with lies out there (Isaiah 8:20). The Bible remains the standard of truth at all times (John 17:17).
Truth is absolute. Truth does not need embellishment. Truth is always truth anywhere, everywhere, every time, and with everyone. Any truth that varies with culture, tradition, or location is no truth (Psalms 119:89). The word of God remains the standard of truth. When you anchor your life on God’s word, you have already found the place of stability and safety (Hebrews 6:17-19).
In these last days, lies are going to be in abundance. Unfortunately, people would be more disposed to listening to lies than the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). You need to be intentional about what you hear, how you hear, and from whom you hear. Our priority is not just what is said but who says it. We don’t only follow truth; we follow the Spirit of truth (John 16:13-14). This is why you need discernment.
By the way, parents need to check what their children are exposed to (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15). As a practice, we often spend time with our children. You hardly see them without seeing us close by. It is intentional. I was able to check what my daughter was reading because she was with me in my study room. Parenting is work. If you don’t control and supervise what your children are exposed to, you have given the devil permission to determine their belief and behaviour. Selah.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria