Author: Warren Berkley

The Benefits Of Gratitude

Gratitude takes us forward. While gratitude requires memory (Phil. 1:3), it takes us forward (Phil. 3:13). We reflect on God’s grace in our lives, past and present, and that reflection produces gratitude that takes us forward. A well-funded research project was published by The University of California at Berkeley (no relation). The objective was to discover a non-pharmaceutical treatment for depression. The conclusion: “In our own research, we have zeroed in on one such activity: THE PRACTICE OF GRATITUDE.”

Gratitude has a built-in defensive function. When we fill our minds with blessings and concentrate on how blessed we are, those thoughts point us in the right direction and guard us against distractions, creeping paranoia and bitterness. Isn’t this part of what Paul means? “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil. 4:8)

Gratitude encourages others. God is the supreme object of our gratitude, but when that mind-set is nurtured and expressed, we become an encouraging voice for others. And, such gratitude that is vertical will naturally produce gratitude that is horizonal. Paul’s gratitude toward God led him to say to the saints at Philippi, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” and “it was kind of you to share my trouble,” (Phil. 1:3 & 4:14).

Gratitude always takes us to God. He is the source! “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift,” (2 Cor. 9:15). If ingratitude is a step away from God (see Rom. 1:21), gratitude moves us closer to God. Truth Connection: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:18

TRUTH – Part #8

Series of Articles On Truth

SPEAKING THE

TRUTH IN LOVE

Eph. 4:15

We have become so addicted to the social internet and the steady diet of content that aligns to our beliefs that we eat up whatever we’re fed without checking if it’s laced with poison.

Martin, Chris. Terms of Service (p. 112). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

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Only dishonest people seek out what is false. For financial gain, to persuade followers or for whatever other motives might activate deceit, there are those who produce fake news and those who consume it. Some out of carelessness, some with intention to mislead.

Christians must not be of this clan. Obviously, we are under the prohibition: “do not lie,” (Col. 3:9). In addition to that there is the value of discernment that is a component of the character of Christians: “…test everything; hold fast what is good,” (1 Thess. 5:21).

While there is no inherent wrong in using your computer or other digital device to read what’s available on the internet, and no obligation to avoid all social media, Christians must navigate this perilous territory aware that there are content creators who traffic in falsehood. These deceivers are often good writers and their content has an attractive and professional look to it. It may be laced with poison.

Religious error flourishes on social media, blogs, webpages and newsfeeds. Half-truths are sometimes whipped into a frenzy. Quotes are pushed out without context. Sources are not cited. Even photographs can be misleading.

We are warned and can be protected against internet fake news and poison by something that was given long before computers and online devices.

When you scroll with the mouse, have the Sword nearby: “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,” (Eph. 6:17). “Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace…,” (Heb. 13:9).

Fake news just explains the fundamental problem in the world today. People’s capacity to engage in critical thinking has been arrested by intellectual laziness, cheap impulses, unbridled curiosity, and corporate and political interests. People running the show, who use social media as their battleground, understand what content will appeal to the weak minded individual as well as the strong minded so as to manipulate their view of reality. We’ve all had a little taste of it and even though it might be temporarily sweet in the end it will be very bitter indeed. – Herb Berkley