Is it hope you are filled with as we enter the last month of another election cycle? The noise level is high and even the most discerning mind can tire and give way to frustration.

It has been said that there are lies, damn lies, and statistics. Statistics can be manipulated to reflect a lie as a partial truth. In the past, opinions could be opposing but the facts were a given. Today, through the manipulation of statistics, facts can be twisted to undergird a particular opinion. The distortion of statistical data has played a role in generating confusion around what is true and who is to be trusted.

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44. Jesus confronted the Pharisees head-on about manipulating the truth to justify their religious practices. Man has been lying since the beginning of time. Abraham lied about Sarah. Jacob lied to get Esau’s blessing. Jacob’s sons lied about Joseph. Simon Peter lied about knowing Jesus. The difference today with many political candidates is that they use full minute advertising slots to project lies on television and line up posts to propagate lies across social media platforms. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. – 1Timothy 4:16. The encouragement Paul offers to Timothy also serves as a reminder to all that we have responsibility at the individual level to discern what is to be believed, Who will be followed and how to proceed to glorify God in this time. The charge is to discern through manipulation of the truth and stand firm against the division and negativity that can be stirred up.

The 1960’s come to mind as an historical point of reference. There was upheaval over the war in Vietnam, protests for civil rights and three assassinations – President John F. Kennedy, presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King. Dark times. If we had the media of today back then, we may have never lifted ourselves out of the division and negativity of that time. Only truth and hope can provide the encouragement to press on. …we are to rejoice in our sufferings because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit. – Romans 5:2-5. By the grace of God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, be hope-filled as you lead your family and influence those in your circles.

Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your word and Your Spirit poured into my heart. I confess I have succumbed too often to the negativity and divisive nature of the 24/7 news cycle. I have failed to watch my life and doctrine closely. Forgive me. I understand sufferings, individually and corporately, are to encourage perseverance that will in turn develop character that stays focused on the hope that is You in my life. Grant me clarity, discernment and strength to be hope-filled in leading my family and influencing those in my circles by Your grace and for Your glory. That is the dad You call me to be, and that’s the dad my kids need to see. Amen.

A faithful father is hope-filled in leading his family and influencing others.