July 19, 2021 (Monday)
In his 1859 historical novel, “Tale of Two Cities,” Dickens wrote of 1775 London and Paris: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” I suppose that could be written of almost any place at any time.
Sources of news these days represent various points of view that differ from each other. Some represent the “left;” some, the “right.” A few even attempt to present the true facts, just as they are.
The plain fact is, we are all biased, some of us to a slight degree, others to a greater degree. But we all have our opinions, based upon our life experiences up to this point in our personal history. But Jesus’ devotion was to unbiased truth. When he was on trial for his life Jesus spoke some words which emphasized this devotion:
For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37 KJV).
We, like Pilate, are puzzled by the truth. We owe it to the Lord and to ourselves to discover the truth and , having found it, to live by it. The truth is out there, somewhere, lurking in the shadows, hiding just around the corner, begging to come out and be seen and heard, but we really “can’t handle the truth,” as a line from a popular movie once forcefully declared. So we interpret truth from our personal points of view.
A simple little birthday party, when reported in the news, can be reported as good or bad, depending on who the reporter is, and a host of other factors. One could report on the unhealthy menu and the total disregard of the well being of the children. Another could announce that it was the highlight of the birthday kid’s life, creating self-esteem for that child that will last for a long time. The truth is probably that it was a pretty good party, and everyone had a good time. But that’s not news these days, now realistically called, “the best of times and the worst of times.”
We should check our “facts” before we share them. Then, before we tell others what we think we know, ask ourselves if sharing the news is necessary. Does it meet the four-way test?*
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* The Rotary International four-way test of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?