In days gone by, knowledge was the privilege of the elites. Today, anyone can access knowledge on any subject at the click of a mouse.

But though we possess more information, do we have more truth?

Today, six corporations own and control 90% of news media, broadcasting a consistent narrative. Further, the mainstream educational system encourages children to believe in political correctness and to follow the herd, rather than thinking independently. And social media, while having useful purposes, helps reinforce the idea taught in public schools that being “liked” and accepted by a large group of people is most important. In culture, the popular current of Hollywood, music, fashion, and lifestyle create an almost irresistible tug.

More sadly, we in the church too often seek to make truth “culturally relative,” thus losing our saltiness (Matthew 5:13).

How to Swim Against the Stream

Today, knowledge is being used as a tool to shape the minds of millions of Americans. And the advent of media has only made the ability much more powerful. How do we swim against the stream? With the incessant barrage of information coming at us, how can we discern truth amid craftily spun narratives and hidden agendas?

The Bible reminds us that it is possible to know and live out the truth in a world opposed to it. As Christ commanded His disciples, we must be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). In King David’s time, the men of Issachar had “understanding of the times” (I Chronicles 12:32).

Today, we’ll examine five keys to unlocking truth.

1. Humbly Fear the Lord

John Dewey’s life and philosophy demonstrates the danger of knowledge without the fear of the Lord. Born in a Christian home in 1859, Dewey went on to become the father of modern education in America. As a young student, he even gave a speech entitled, “The Obligation to Knowledge of God.” Though of humble origins, Dewey studied at to the University of Vermont and Johns Hopkins University.

Sadly, Dewey came to ultimately believe, “There is no god and there is no soul. Hence, there is no need for the props of traditional religion. With dogma and creed excluded, then immutable truth is dead and buried. There is no room for fixed and natural law or permanent moral absolutes.” In 1933, he became one of 34 signatories to the first Humanist Manifesto.

This humanist atheism formed the foundation, not only for Dewey’s life, but for the entire American public school system! Hence, Dewey believed, “[Education] is the regulation of the process of coming to share in the social consciousness.” He also stated “Children who know how to think for themselves spoil the harmony of the collective society.”

Dewey vs. Scripture

In contrast to Dewey’s philosophy, which sought to eliminate God, Proverbs 22:4 says, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

As demonstrated by John Dewey, all attempts to properly understand truth and current events aside from the framework of scripture will ultimately prove destructive.

2. Desire to Obey

How can God use us today if we simply wish to understand the Bible and current events but have no desire to live His truth?

Psalm 111:10 connects fearing God with obedience and wisdom. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Matthew 7:24-27 describes the grounded life as the one built on living out God’s Word, not merely hearing it: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” James 1:22-25 states that it’s not enough be a hearer of the Word, we must also be doers.

We must search the scriptures prayerfully, looking for truths to apply in our own lives. This is the primary reason why we must study the Bible. How can we fear God and keep His commandments if we don’t understand God’s character and will as outlined in His precious Word?

3. Understand that Worldview Affects Everything

Communists like Antonio Gramsci realized they could never destroy America until they had first destroyed her moral fiber. German Communist Willi Munzenberg said that they would infiltrate the the family, government, media, religion and education, in order to “make the West so corrupt that it stinks.”

In his 1958 book, “The Naked Communist,” Cleon Skousen outlined 45 Communist goals for America, many of which have since come true. Communist goals #21 was to “Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.” Goal #22 stated “Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression.”

If all of this communism talk sounds far-fetched, just consider how many Americans voted for socialist Bernie Sanders this cycle or other candidates with socialist-sounding proposals. And almost half of Americans now support Universal Basic Income. As Vladimir Lenin stated, “The goal of socialism is communism.”

Worldview in Entertainment and Culture

As Americans, we love entertainment. But have we ever stopped to consider the worldview being presented via music, movies, and popular culture? The sad reality is that many facets of culture have been hijacked by humanists and Communists who desire to use our institutions to change us from within. (For more information on this reality, I encourage you to watch the award-winning film, “Agenda: Grinding America Down”).

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Important Worldview Questions

Are we willing to evaluate every area of life and culture to ask important questions:

• “What is the underlying worldview?”
• “What does the Bible say about this?”
• “Why do I do or believe this?

Exodus says, “Thou shalt not follow a crowd to do evil.” It’s easy to do something simply because that’s what everyone around us does. My parents taught us children that why you do something is even more important than what you do. My Dad always encouraged us to be “fruit inspectors” (Matthew 7).

4. Courageously Face Reality

In order to apply that wisdom, we must have knowledge of the situation, how bad things are, and how they got that way. Sticking our heads in the sand is not an option for intentional Christians.

In the 1980s eruption of Mt. St. Helens, one man, Harry R. Truman (not to be confused with President Truman) refused to leave his home near the volcano despite warnings. It was “Harry vs. the Volcano.” “In the end,” as the Science History Institute observes, “the mountain won.”

Two Choices

Like Harry, we have two choices. First, ignore the volcanic societal warnings around us, keep living life as usual, and suffer. Second, wake up to the spiritual dangers around us and to our duty as Christians.

It’s easy to read into scripture things that aren’t actually there. For example, if we’re honest with ourselves, we sometimes interpret God’s Word through the grid of our life, not the other way around. It’s just much easier to keep on living comfortable, without asking ourselves if we may have been influenced too much by deadly ideas.

Facing reality begins with understanding God, His Word, and our mission. As with Esther, we’ve been placed here “For such a time as this.” Next, we must honestly evaluate our life, purpose, and actions with scripture. Then, we give our lives to Christ and seek to courageously live it out by God’s grace.

Living the truth is never easy, but it is always liberating.

5. Grow in True Wisdom

Christians should be on the alert. In fact, we should be the wisest people on the planet. We ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) and seek wisdom in His Word. Remaining stagnant is the quickest path to deception.

In these perilous day, we can be “wise and serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). We can “understand the times” (I Chronicles 12:32). We can “know our God…be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).

2 Peter 3:18 exhorts Christians, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.”

Take Heart and Take Action

No matter how discouraging the times may be, we can always take comfort in the fact that God is on His throne. Our battle is spiritual (Ephesians 6:12), and it is not won by might or power, but by His spirit (Zechariah 6).

I remember my Dad telling us children often, “The darker the night, the brighter the light.” We can seek to know the truth and to be bright lights for Christ, praying that He will bless our efforts.

John 8:32 says, “If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” History demonstrates that the truth of the gospel can transform individuals and societies. Such happened in America in the First Great Awakening, and it could happen again today!

Questions: What are the greatest challenges facing the pursuit of today?