In our culture today, we are flooded with information (and misinformation) on the TV, the Internet and the radio.  

On social media alone, we are daily exposed to hundreds of news stories, videos, podcasts and posts all claiming to be true. The trouble is that these sources of information can often contradict each other.  It leaves us all wondering, what is the real truth? Where can it be found?

In the book of John, chapter 18, Pontius Pilate struggled with this same question as he interviewed Jesus just before His crucifixion. Pilate had asked Jesus if he really was a king. Jesus replied “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” To this, Pilate retorted, “What is truth?”

So, what is the answer to Pilate’s question?  Is truth to be found in politics? How about science? Religion? Facebook?

There is undoubtedly some truth in all of these things, but where do we find the truth? We find in the Bible, God’s Word to mankind. Sixty-six books penned by 40 authors (give or take), as guided by the Holy Spirit. God’s Word is truth.  

Unfortunately, so much of what is presented as “truth” today is, in fact, lies. Satan, called the “father of lies” in John 8:44, is out to deceive the whole world if he can, including those of us who profess to be Jesus followers. If Satan can convince us to believe a lie, he considers it a good day.  

So, what can we do to see though the lies and deceptions that Satan and our culture throw at us? We need to filter all of the “stuff” we are deluged with every day through the lens of scripture. Is the information being presented to us consistent with the principles presented in God’s Word? Does it match up with the Biblical world view?

In the business world, we often use the expression, “does it pass the smell test”. That means, when information is presented to us, is it truthful, is it reliable, can you count on it? It’s a method of stepping back and evaluating if the information can be trusted. In much the same way, we must be wise in stepping back and taking a hard look at a piece of information in light of scripture.  If something doesn’t smell right, maybe it needs to go in the virtual trash can.

The bottom line is this: if you see, hear or read something that claims to be true, take a hard look at it through the filter of scripture. Be wary if it smells a little funny.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to empty the trash. I think that banana peel has been in there a little too long.

Tim Carman is a semi-retired aerospace engineer and native Iowan who has been married to Sandra for 37+ years. He and his wife have two grown children and one grandchild and live in rural Clark County, Missouri.