Axios Twin Cities had a very disturbing online article entitled, “Right to lie.”  They were dealing with the issue of “why campaign lying is generally legal.”   As the campaigns attempt to sway voters during this campaign season, politicians will “face few, if any, legal consequences for stretching the truth or telling outright lies.”  Voters are going to be inundated with political TV ads, mailers and texts.  There will be many questionable claims.  “But a long history of court rulings protects politicians’ ability to lie in most cases.” 

Political speech is foundational under the First Amendment. “Lies are not only protected, but even more so for politicians.”  Travis Ridout at Washington State University notes, “We do have laws against defamation, but usually the burden is very, very high when it comes to public figures.”  A lot of leeway is provided for politicians to make exaggerated or misleading campaign claims. Victor Menaldo at the University of Washington points out, “voters should always be skeptical and never take what politicians say at face value.” Then he makes this incredible observation, “Politicians are not in the truth business, but in the power business and quite often the truth is collateral damage.” 

During this political campaign cycle Americans’ top concern around misinformation is politicians spreading it to manipulate their supporters.  “54% of respondents in a survey agreed with the statement, ‘I’ve disengaged from politics because I can’t tell what’s true.'” Half of the voters who were polled said when it comes to political news and the media, “it’s becoming too difficult for them to tell what is true and what if false.”  John Gerzema, CEO of the Harris poll observed, “It used to be, we were worried about China or Russia, fake ads or Facebook.  Now, no, it’s coming from the campaigns.”  

Like so many Americans, godly men are frustrated, not knowing who to believe during this election season.  “Eight in 10 voters said they believe that misinformation can significantly affect election, political discourse and civility.” The article encouraged readers to check other sources to fact check the information they receive.  But we are told to be patient.  “It can take time for reporters and others to get to the bottom of whether a claim is true or false.  If something you see seems unbelievable, it’s smart to take a beat before sharing it more broadly.”  

So, who is the best source for “fact checking.”  As follower of Jesus, we have a great fact checker.  When Jesus was confronted by Pilate, the reply of Jesus during this intense political confrontation should give us guidance in our fact checking. Jesus declared, “I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth.  All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true?”  To oppose Jesus and His kingdom is to believe and be deceived by a lie.  

Jesus warned us that our arch enemy, the devil is behind all lies. “He was a murderer from the beginning.  He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).  Men, remember during this election season, we are in a battle for the truth.  Jesus is the truth. The devil is a lair.  

We still have to do the work of discerning the truth along with fact checking.  Knowing truth will not be easy.   Praise God, with our eyes on Jesus during this election season, we will be following the truth.  So, in dialogue with others, while not having the full answer, we can declare Jesus as the sure truth. 

Matthew 7:1-3 reads, ” Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and  with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  The Message translation makes clear a critical spirit is the result of judging other people. “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults – unless, of course, you want the same treatment.  That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.”   

The Message goes on to translate verses 2-5 as follows.  “It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.  Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you.’ when your face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part.  Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.” “A holier-than-thou” attitude is convicting to me as I encounter the decadence of our day. 

I must confess that I am convicted of having a “critical spirit.”  In today’s cultural environment, which is intensely polluted with anger, , and vindictive attitudes, I have to be vigilant to not pick up a “critical spirit.”  Rather I desire to be loving, forgiving and putting the best construction on another person’s belief, behavior, and especially attitude.     

Years ago I was influenced by the healing ministry of John and  Paula Sandford.  I learned that a critical or judging spirit, will set in motion the principle of sowing and reaping.  They taught, “The fundamental laws of God are written into the universe and affect our lives as surely as gravity.”  When we transgress these laws, we set in motion forces that will be reaped by a simple, impersonal law. “In our sinful responses to wounding, we begin early to develop patterns of behavior that cause us to reap in adulthood the very things we hate.” 

We will sow and reap in kind.  We judge and do more of the same.  “The pain we reap often seems out of proportion to the harm we have done.  But Matthew 7 is clear.   “A critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.”  We are reminded in Gal 6:7, “Don’t be mislead.  Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it.  You will always reap what you sow.”  “This means we cannot ever lose our reward, but neither can we escape our fleshly deeds.  Those who think they have gotten away with something fleshly will nevertheless reap harm.  In fact, the longer a sin goes unrepented, the greater the reaping will be. ‘They sow the wind, and they reap the whirlwind’ ” (Hosea 8:7)

Here are three principles I have to continue to practice, so as not to develop a “critical spirit.”  First, I need to practice a lifestyle of unilateral  forgiveness.  There will be sharp disagreements  with others, I will have a different lifestyle and I will not agree with the behavior and attitudes of others.  But I owe them the love and acceptance of the Lord.  “What is important is faith expressing itself in love” (Gal 5:6). 

Secondly, I don’t want to be someone who  complains and argues about our negative culture.  “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you” (Phil 2:14).

Thirdly, in the midst of so much bad news, I want to be an instrument of “Good News.” “The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News” (Mark 1:15). Focusing on the kingdom is “Good News.”