Sayings

A little bird told me. You’ve probably heard this familiar saying. It comes from the Bible, Ecclesiastes 10:20 to be exact.

The full version is: “Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.”

I don’t know about you, but I receive a near continuous barrage of hateful, paranoid and panic-filled emails brimming with rumour and speculation related to the current state of the world.

The word from a little  bird can either be some salacious piece of gossip laced with an element of the truth or down right false. In either case such ‘messages’ seem to have  the intent of stealing a position of power over another.

In our times it is becoming increasingly difficult to discern truth from dangerous fiction. What was it Jesus said about truth to the Jews who believed in him, “If you are faithful to what I have said, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free!”  (John 8:32) John shows the people who listened to Jesus as being prickly and precious, quick to defend their religion and righteousness, often predicated on misguided thoughts and actions. Jesus’ replies showing them that they have forgotten love and relationship.

Phishing is a word for a type of online scamming and this type of activity is growing and occurs when someone sends you a bogus communication. This usually come in the form of an email or text message, disguised as a missive from a legitimate source, such as a bank or government agency. The sender is angling for information, a credit card number or a transfer of funds. Sometimes there is an attachment containing malware, or a link where you can go to log in—which is to say, to have your password stolen. What is clear that phishing distorts the truth, but I ask is there a spiritual phishing that locks us into a life that is any thing but free.

The letter to the Philippians (4:8) perhaps gives the christian the best virus protection; “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Lord of Truth and Grace, 

fix our hearts and minds 

on what is true and honourable and right.

Give us the joy and peace 

that comes from knowing and doing Your will.

Keep us faithful to the call 

we have received in Christ Jesus, our Lord,

extending Your loving invitation 

to the world around us.

In Jesus’ name.  Amen.