Table of Contents
A Letter to Jesus
Dear Jesus,
The behavior of media outlets and reporters is alarming. I have to work harder than anyone should to figure out what the truth is and what’s a lie. And what’s worse, lies spread like wildfire on social media. Well-intentioned people are trusting memes and manipulated videos without questioning their origins.
Some people see the truth, while others refuse to accept it when it’s presented. I think it’s safe to say I’m living in a narrative-driven world. Everyone, including myself, wants to believe the information that fits the desired narrative.
I pray that the world slows down long enough for everyone to take a breath and remember you are the truth. And also, that we all start doing our own fact-checking instead of relying on lies, half-truths, and people wearing blinders to tell us what to believe.
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Context is Key
Speaking of context, if there were one source that people needed to spend more time studying, it’d be the Bible. Far too often, people have misused scripture to suit their own needs. That’s the worst-case scenario. Most of the time, it’s a simple misunderstanding. Regardless, taking the Bible out of context has done more harm than good for Christians.
For example, open your Bible and read Philippians 4:13. The full quote reads: “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. According to Grok, Gemini, Copilot, and an article published on Renew.org, this is one of the most misunderstood and taken-out-of-context quotes in the Bible.
Emily Richardson, the author of Twisted Scripture, had some fun researching this particular Bible verse. She found this quote incorrectly used by many different athletes and fitness influencers. Why? Because they’re only reading that verse. So they assume it’s about God amping up their physical strength so they can win medals and championships. There’s a lot more to it.
One of the earlier Bible studies I participated in had a section devoted to context. The author provided a verse, asked a question, and then had the readers look up the verse before it and the verse after. It was eye-opening how the context changed once you had all the information.
Let’s back up a couple of verses in Philippians.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
After reading all the Bible verses before it, you can see that Paul, the author of the book of Philippians, isn’t speaking of a supernatural strength. He’s talking about surviving everyday challenges because God gives him the emotional or inner strength to endure whatever lies ahead.
When I think of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength,” I think the best application of this verse can be seen in Erika Kirk. Yesterday, at her husband’s memorial service, she spoke of a conversation she had with Usha Vance as they traveled back to Arizona on Air Force 2.
During the last 15 minutes of the flight, Erika told Usha she didn’t know how she was going to survive any of this. Usha looked at her and said, “You will survive the next 15 minutes. And the 15 minutes after that.” Because of God, Erika has the strength to endure the hardest moments yet to come for her and her children.
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Only Jesus Knows
Speaking of the Kirk family, there have been numerous questions in the media about what her husband, Charlie, actually said during debates. People who are pro-Charlie are adamant that he was a stand-up man who loved Jesus. People opposed to Charlie say he was a racist, a fascist, and a man who lived and died by the sword.
I’ve heard that he condoned violence, condemned violence, hated the LGBTQ+ community, and loved everyone despite their lifestyles. That he was trying to brainwash young men into being haters, and he was trying to educate high school and college students to help them embrace Jesus and make informed decisions.
I’m at the point now where I question everything. If someone shares a quote, where did it come from? What was the question Charlie was asked? Am I seeing the complete response or just what someone else wanted me to see? The same goes for video clips. Am I seeing the whole video or just a small section of it that conveniently changes the context of what was actually said?
Or maybe I’m getting information from a friend I trust. But did that friend listen carefully and understand what was being said? Does that friend have an agenda or a narrative they’re trying to justify?
The truth is that unless we’re willing to do the work. Read the books, the blogs, watch the complete interviews; we don’t really know who Charlie Kirk was. But one person does. God. Only God knows who Charlie Kirk was.
This is where prayer can be beneficial. If we truly want to know whether Charlie Kirk was a good man or an evil one, we can ask God. Maybe it seems ridiculous, but consider this. Parents spend all day, every day answering silly questions. Just like this one:
My 11-year-old: Mom, what happens if a hurricane comes to Georgia?
Me: We’ll know about a week in advance, and we’ll pack up and go to Aunt Heather’s house.
11-year-old: But what if the hurricane spawns a tornado that spawns a zombie outbreak?
Me: It won’t matter because we’ll know for a week that the hurricane is coming, so we won’t be here for the zombie outbreak.
My 8-year-old: Can we bring the dog and cat?
Me: Of course!
8-year-old: What about the gerbil?
Me: (thinking)
8-year-old: Mom?
Me: (still thinking)
8-year-old: Mom?!
Me: Okay. We’ll bring the gerbil too.
11-year-old: What happens if we don’t know about the hurricane?
Me: We’ll know! Now eat your dinner.
Where was I going with this?
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Prayer. That’s where I was going with this. You can pray to Jesus for clarification, guidance, and answers. Actually, there are no limitations when it comes to prayer. And no such thing as a ridiculous question when you’re talking to God.
However, if you’re seeking guidance in understanding something, there are several Bible verses you can pray over to find help. My first memory verse (since I started self-assigning memory verses last week) was Proverbs 3:5-6. It’s a verse to start with if you don’t know any others.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not into your own understanding. In every way, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
If it’s important to you, ask Jesus. Just don’t expect an answer on your time. He’ll give you the answer when he feels the time is right. Also, it may not be the answer you’re looking for.
At the end of the day, whether you’re reading the Bible or watching the news, it’s important to take a step back from your narrative and beliefs and see the full context. Without context, there will be chaos. That’s not good for anyone.
Be graceful to people who disagree with you. Name-calling and snide comments won’t change anyone’s mind. The only thing they’ll do is fracture relationships.
Sermon Snippets
Last week, my pastor was giving a sermon on 1 Corinthians 1: 10 -17. A few of his comments struck a chord.
The first is when praying; it is more important to bow your heart to God than to bow your head. This is good to know, especially if you’re like me and other people I know who all take the opportunity to pray while driving. We still need to keep our eyes on the road.
The second comment made during the sermon was that while baptism is an act of obedience to God, it isn’t necessary for salvation. This struck home for one compelling reason. Someone once told me they heard from their pastor that babies who die before being baptized all go to hell. I really hope this person misunderstood what their pastor said. If not, maybe it’s time for that pastor to return to the seminary for additional training.
An Attitude of Gratitude
At the end of each blog, I’d like to share some things I’m grateful to God for. Sometimes, when people think about expressing gratitude to God, they stress out over finding something really profound to thank Him for. But expressing gratitude to God doesn’t have to be about the profound ways he’s blessed us. It can be about the little, everyday things we take for granted. If you’re new to expressing gratitude, I hope this makes it less strange and more comfortable.
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Dear Jesus,
Today, I’m thankful for the job you blessed me with. I still can’t believe, after 3 years, I have this fantastic position where I can be both sarcastic and a little creepy, and instead of sending me straight to HR, my coworkers are actually amused by it.
I’m also grateful for the generous pay without which I might not be able to replace all the socks my dog has stolen over the years.
Obligatory Call to Action
Tell me something you’re grateful for in the comments. Big or small.
And, if you know someone who is new to their faith and a little unnerved by it all, please share this blog with them.
4 Responses
Im grateful for you, Allison! Love your heart for Jesus and that you can always make me laugh!
Awe! Thank you!❤️
Thank you, Allison, for sharing your thoughts on information/news/quotes taken out of context. I see this MUCH TOO OFTEN on social media. I typically approach any of these things I see on sm with skeptical glasses and then hunt down the facts as best I can. People really need to stop this follow-like-sheep mentality and think for themselves. I pray everywhere and anywhere throughout the day whenever God places a need on my heart.
Totally agree! Thank you for taking the time to read it!