Business. Leadership. Ministry

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The Spin of Sin
Sometimes I just get tired to trying to determine what is true or accurate in our culture.  Frankly, I find it exhausting, especially in the political arena where lies are expected and deemed necessary.  That ‘s why i have included the following article by Fred Smith.  Hopefully it makes us stop and consider what we allow in our spheres of influence, even if we can’t stop what is going on in the greater cultural environment.

 

Written By Fred Smith
Relative truth has taken firm root in our society. The “Spin Meisters” have become an accepted part of our daily communications. No more is our “yes” yes or our “no” no. It is maybe, perhaps, or “on the other hand.” Truth has lost its value. Today “image is everything.” We begin to hear the phrase, “well, that’s your truth.” When did we get the privilege of customizing truth?
In a secular study of American beliefs, drawn from national surveys, an advertising agency made a list of what Americans believe and how their beliefs have changed. Today, lying is permissible if profitable. Once we accepted “white lies” or socially accepted exaggerations to make others feel good about themselves. Now, we condone lying for personal and professional gain. Pragmatic economics have taken over. If it works, then it must be true. The public outcry against corporate decay thinly disguises a prevailing attitude of situational greed. Business practices based on “whatever it takes” are systemic and will take more than a Wall Street Journal expose to reverse.
High government officials no longer seek truth but advantage. Just enough truth is included to make it have the tinge or impression of truth. Listen carefully to advertising and you hear exorbitant positive claims but if you examine the wording you find it really doesn’t say what it intends for you to believe. Its morality is based on legality, not morality. Facts can violate truth. A national magazine wanted to put a friend’s story on the cover of their magazine. When they asked to interview one of his personal friends, he suggested me. After spending time with them, he asked me how I did with them. “I thought very well indeed – all I did was give them facts.” “I expected that, but like what details?” With a straight face I answered him, “Well, on a personal basis I told them that I had never seen you drunk on Sunday.” He was horrified because he was a teetotaler, not even drinking beer or wine. He asked, “Why would you tell them that when you know I don’t drink at all?” I replied, “I told them the truth, didn’t I? I really have never seen you drunk on Sunday and since you’re a teetotaler I think that proves you’ve never been drunk on Sunday.” After regaining his composure he asked, “What are you trying to say?” “I’m trying to give you an illustration of how facts do not always express truth.” We laughed. If I had said what I told him I said, it would have been absolutely legal but totally immoral.
Not only should we want and love truth but also pursue the spirit of truth. As a member of our society I must ask myself not if, but to what degree, am I infected with this spin sin.
Do I want to believe a lie because it is more pleasant than the truth? Is God’s truth no longer absolute or has all truth become relative? What price will our society have to pay for departing from truth?
The same scripture that says “they believe a lie and were damned” also says “ye shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Christian, is your “yes” yes and your “no” no? Or are you willing to put a spin on that command to make yourself more acceptable and comfortable in society that has lost truth? Is this spin cycle going to throw us out of control? Where do we draw a line and say —- no more!

 

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