Just this last week I saw this above post on FB. Now that would rile up a lot of Christians, like me, who hold traditional values of marriage! A real slap in the face. But followers of Jesus, who described himself as the Truth, should be a little cautious, because that’s not what the CEO said. The Christian Post examined the claim here: https://www.christianpost.com/news/did-starbucks-ceo-really-say-we-dont-want-your-business.html?fbclid=IwAR0Rlc52vg__MRB1sa5pI1JPh0rO5u9URyZ6m4GWC_gZXCsv36obiEvLk_U. The evaluation on its accuracy from a group supporting traditional marriage: “the erroneous early statements are more than enough to mislead the average reader. What Christians should avoid, however, is sloppiness. Disagreement is fine. Strong disagreement is fine. But, at least, let us strive for accuracy. C'mon, followers of Jesus. We can do better.”
Not only is the post not true, it wasn’t news, despite the NEWS tag—this all happened WAY back in 2013. Now, this is not politics, so please don’t drag that in. This is a faith issue. We’re talking to the family here, about OUR issues. Not those of any political party. Just as a caution, political responses will be taken down—they’re not relevant.
Regardless of party affiliation, all followers of Jesus should, and must, cherish truth and abhor untruth in all its forms. Four reasons for that: truth leads us to God, untruth leads us to Satan, “the devil…(was) not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Frankly, I don’t want to go in that direction.
Second, truth inherently stronger than untruth, when presented fully. Sharing untruths, or what we don’t bother to confirm as truth, shows we don’t trust the strength of our argument. Personal attacks that don’t address the issue fit into this category because they don’t address the issue.
Third, allowing untrue statements reflects our old person, not our new identity in Christ, “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:22-25). Falsehood belongs to our old life, not our new one.
And last, you violate one of the Ten Big Ones, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16).
Pretty clear, isn’t it? So what about passing on posts and rumors we may not be sure about? “Well, someone said…” or “I don’t know if this is true, but it’s interesting…” Once we express it, we own it. So maybe before passing something along we need to be fact checkers. Be responsible people who add to the amount of truth in the world, not add untruths. We have enough of that.
We worship a God of truth. A God who will win. Let’s be as much like him as we can.
Kick Starting the Application
Have you noticed the large number of untruths floating around conversations and social media? When you hear a follower share an untruth, how do you react? Have you passed on information that you didn’t believe was accurate in order to support your side? How do you think others responded to that? What can you do to better cherish truth and accuracy and avoid untruths and unproven rumors?