We’ve all been exposed, and are now accustomed, to the term and the practice of “fake” news. Which frequently takes the form of journalists quoting each other while making incendiary, inflammatory, and accusatory remarks about someone, or something. They may deliberately misinterpret a statement, misapply the English language, misrepresent true events, or statements, etc. It seems that each week some new level of sophistication is achieved with which people can create fake news. Modern communication technologies make this possible. When there were only a few televised news programs, they could be held reasonably accountable by the public. At one time local newspapers were generally subject to the integrity, or lack thereof, of their owners and editors. They have long been replaced by blogs and podcasts, while streaming media has added a thousand new televised channels to the few previous news outlets. Lord, help us!
Something else has also reared its head within the mushroom cloud of modern media: conspiracy theories. My guess is that the reader will not require a description of a conspiracy theory – we’ve all heard at least one, if not many. So, I won’t waste your time describing one. Let me say this, though: as long as there have been more than 10 people on the earth, there have been conspiracy theories. There are billions of people on the earth, and thousands of ways to communicate with them – thus the rise of media corruption. For the record, some conspiracy theories are true. Most are speculation, fear, creative gossip, or fiction. The unbeliever can watch whatever he or she chooses to watch, since they are lost and cannot grasp the things of the Spirit anyway.
“But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NASB)
However, those of us who have been redeemed must not participate in activities that involve perpetuating rumors, promoting accusations without the accused ability to defend themselves, or spreading fear for the purpose of profit or manipulation. This mayhem, and much more, is inextricably entangled in the daily workings of a conspiracy theory. Whether a conspiracy theory is true or not is irrelevant. If it is true, those who possess evidence substantiating the truth should pursue appropriate legal action. If it is not true, no healthy person should willingly participate in it.
“A single witness shall not rise up against a person regarding any wrongdoing or any sin that he commits; on the testimony of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.” (Deuteronomy 19:15 NASB)
Webster’s Dictionary: Witness
- attestation of a fact or event : testimony
- one that gives evidence specifically: one who testifies in a cause or before a judicial tribunal
Note: Websters indicates the presentation of “fact.” Also: testimony presented before a judicial tribunal. In a tribunal (trial), the accused is afforded an opportunity to cross-examine the witness to determine the veracity of his or her claims, and to defend him or herself. Radio, TV, and podcasts do not generally provide these assurances. Additionally, a judicial tribunal possesses the authority to punish those who commit perjury – a false witness, whereas people say much that is less than truthful in the media seemingly with impunity.
“One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; Therefore, do not associate with a gossip.” Proverbs 20:19 NASB
Our Commission (job)
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19 NASB)
“These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18 NASB)
You can practice the serpents and deadly poison stuff, if you like. I’ve got my hands full with baptize, cast out, speak, and lay hands.
You need to know that revival is on the face of the earth – the whole earth – and it is in the USA. Revival should be in your hometown. Revival should be in your home and in you. The devil would prefer that you become preoccupied with anything, rather than Jesus and revival – thus the vibrant array of conspiracies, and many other intoxicants. You need to know that demonic spirits lurk within much of what we are exposed to each day over social media, streaming media, and television. These entities are searching for those they can entice, attract, seduce, and capture. There is a particular spirit that hides in and empowers conspiracy theories. I don’t know what it calls itself, perhaps other ministers do, but I call it, “Octocuser.” Its power to entice is transmitted within the operation of words like “intrigue”, “secret”, “danger”, “lawless”, “rich”, and “guilty.”
It has multiple tentacles, and each represents a different kind of conspiracy, offense, or grievance. There is a tentacle for republicans, democrats, military, law enforcement, the clergy, survivalists, oppressed/suppressed women, oppressed/suppressed men, libertarians, self-defense and hunting advocates, hoarders, pure food advocates, world order advocates, world order fears, corruption in banking/health care/government/religion, etc. And each tentacle has suction cups, like an octopus. The longer you listen the better the grip it gets on you. Soon you will have two or three tentacles attached to you. Your role in the army of Christ will become compromised. Without intervention, your post will be abandoned. Those willfully carrying and promoting suspicion, fear, anger, jealousy, resentment, vengeance, are unfit to partner with the Holy Spirit and thus unable to carry out the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. We must operate from a basis of love, faith, and hope to be effective in preaching and winning others to Jesus.
The devil has always had plans, and none of them are good. God has always had plans, all of them are good. Instead of worrying about the devils plans, we must concern ourselves with God’s plans. The Father’s plans are good, and nothing can stop Him. The Father’s plans are Jesus, and His Church. When the Church follows the commission she was given by Jesus, her fruit destroys the devil’s works.
“But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” (Matthew 6:3 NASB)
So, how do we stay informed to be helpful voters and do our civic duty and yet remain free from captivity? Perhaps we should treat conspiracy theories something like tithing, but rather than left and right hands, maybe we should substitute “ears.” Don’t let your left ear know what your right ear is listening to. What I mean by that is this: we should “monitor” what is happening in the world around us for potential action on the part of the Church. Some things we pray about, some things we vote about, some things we “deaf ear,” but we only do it with one ear. With the other ear, we remain fully engaged with Jesus.
Remember, anything not done in faith is sin. (Rom 14:23) We are to bless those who spitefully use us. (Luke 6:28)
“… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Pray for your country and your leaders
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV)
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6 NIV)
Be faithful to the mission given you by Jesus
“Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.” (Zechariah 10:1 NIV)
Ask for rain in your town, in your home, in your family, in you.”
“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28 NIV)
Not only are we “in” the last days, but these events, among others, are certainly “the beginning of sorrows.” (Matt 24:8)
“The end times are not happening to us… we are happening to the end times.” ~ Mario Murillo
Deliverance is abundant in Jesus. Reach out to a friend who may be struggling to break free from the tentacles of Octocuser – freedom is just a prayer away.
Love from our house to yours,
Stuart