RUMORS: Avoiding Involvement
MATTHEW 24:1-14
Cass Sustein: Washington Post
• “False rumors are especially troublesome;
they impose real damage on individuals
and institutions, and they often resist
correction. They can threaten careers,
policies, public officials, and sometimes
democracy itself. Rumors often arise and
gain traction because they fit with and
support the prior convictions of those who
accept them…we accept rumors because of
our fears.”
Sustein: Washington Post
• Socialization – relying on what other
people think or do: if those we believe in
believe the rumor, then so do we – we
accept the views of others without getting
information ourselves.
• Group Polarization – when likeminded
people get together, they often end up
thinking a more extreme version of what
they thought before they started to talk to
each other
Jesus: Warns and Commands us to Avoid
• Don’t be mislead – there will be claims made
• You will hear – Matthew 5:21, 27, 31, 33
• False prophets will appear – 2 Pet. 2:1; 1 Jn. 4:1
• Biblical command: Exodus 20:16 – do not bear
false witness against your neighbor
• Wise warning: Proverbs 18:8 – rumors are dainty
morsels that sink deep into one’s heart
Origin: Where It All Began
• John 8:44 – For you are the children of your
father the devil, and you love to do the evil
things he does…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.
• Rumors are deep seeded opinions formed
in the hearts of those who desire hatred
and malice; a heart not given over to the
Lord
How to Avoid Participating in Rumors
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – test everything that is
said
• Ephesians 4:29 – words do matter
• Deuteronomy 13:14 – examine the facts
(Uncle Si would agree)
• Matthew 7:12 – don’t do it if you don’t want it
done
• T.H.I.N.K.
T.H.I.N.K.
• T – is it True?
• H – is it Helpful?
• I – is it Inspiring?
• N – is it Necessary?
• K – is it Kind?