Scripture: Proverbs 17:12
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly.
Thought for the Day: I thought about doing an elaborate April Fools’ Day Devotional, something on the scale of Orson Welles’ The War of the Worlds radio broadcast. The 1937 radio program used fake news bulletins that unexpectedly flamed the fears of an already anxious nation in the years before WWII.
We are interesting creatures—so easily coaxed into erroneous storylines, sensationalist news programs, or politically motivated emails that have absolutely no truth to them. Maybe we’re gullible — maybe we like conspiracy theories — maybe we live in a world where there is money to be made off of naive and anxious people. One of the greatest gifts that we as people of faith can give our culture is the gift of commonsense. With commonsense, comes the ability to ask good questions, review sources, note alternative agendas, be a non-anxious presence, and speak truth. As followers of Jesus, we receive a holy peace that allows us to remain calm when others are frantic. We also have a hunger for truth above personal desires and selfish motives.
Those who have immersed themselves in reckless absurdity or outright stupidity are not easily swayed. As the wise words suggest: it would be better to meet a she-bear who has been robbed of her cubs. Nonetheless, we must try to offer an alternative voice. It usually isn’t as exciting as what others may offer in their fanciful conspiracies, but it more often provides a path toward a sensible and calm response.
Prayer: Lord, I really don’t want to be a fool. Provide me with the insight to ask good questions, the wisdom to recognize people’s alternative agendas, and a calming presence where others can be invited into commonsense conversations. Amen.
Let Us Join Together
This Sunday
11:00am – 3:00pm
(come and go as you need)
