No Spin Zone?

In 1997, filmmaker Barry Levinson released a low-budget comedy movie titled, Wag The Dog. Starring Robert DeNiro and William H. Macy, the film is a political satire, revolving around the  story-line of what should be done to deflect people away from a Presidential sex scandal 2 weeks before re-election.

What a world we live  in.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Texas, as they are under water from Hurricane Harvey. Yet, as I browsed social media last night, there are pics roaming around of a shark swimming through the flood waters that have take over the region and planes under water at the airport. And both are photo-shopped.

They do not reflect the reality of the situation.

Granted, these two aren't a deflection of what's going on politically, but that doesn't mean that recent events over the past few weeks to the past few years have spawned created circumstances and strife that were indeed deflections of other real issues. And I'm not trying to go into conspiracy mode on anyone, but I woke up this morning and while getting ready for work couldn't help but wonder how much this happens within Christianity.

People tell stories and half-truth scenarios in the name of sympathy and support. We attempt to give problems bigger attention than they are due and create excuses to deflect and distract from the bigger situations that we care not to have to handle, manage and reconcile. We give portrays that are not accurate, rather than living up to and acknowledging the truth(s) of the very matters from which we need to experience healing and freedom.

It's about as frustrating to watch within the church as it is to be called out on social media for sharing a false, "fixed" photo. Even the "fact checkers" of the Internet are somewhat biased and motivated to "spin" matters at times.

At any rate, let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that God would grant super-natural wisdom and discernment to pastors and church leaders; to navigate and properly resolve the situations and scenarios that arise and are presented with false motives and pretenses. May the have the ability to cut through the stories and emotions and deal with the realities and issues at hand. Pray that they themselves would not engage in such activities as a way of avoiding matters or garnering support which can't be justified by other means. May there be a truth and a transparency with the body of Christ; that things are indeed as they seem, even when the truth is less than attractive.

To be real in Christ,
Even when life gets raw.
To speak and discern truth
In a world full of deception.
By the authority of God
For His glory.

- PNC