Finding Truth in a World of Noise

Follow Jesus. Think Critically. Live with Wisdom.

First and foremost, follow Jesus—not a party, a person, or a policy.

In today’s world, it’s easy to get swept up in the noise. People pick sides, grab labels, and act like loyalty to a political tribe is the same as loyalty to God. But it’s not. As a follower of Jesus, your allegiance starts and ends with Him. Everything else—every idea, opinion, or position—has to line up with His Word, not the other way around.

Start with what Jesus actually said. The Sermon on the Mount—Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7—is where Jesus lays out the foundation for Kingdom living. Don’t just read it—internalize it. Let it confront your thinking. Let it mess with your comfort. Jesus wasn’t trying to win a debate; He was offering a better way to live.

Now here’s where the challenge comes in: We’ve got to be fact finders. Not everything we hear or see—especially in the media, politics, or social feeds—is rooted in fact. Some of it is fear. Some of it is manipulation. So before you believe it, post it, or argue about it—fact check it. Use tools like ChatGPT, neutral sources, and even opposing views to get clarity. Then hold it up against the Gospel—the truth—for perspective.

Watch out for labels—and don’t become one.

Labels can be useful for context, but too often they become boxes we trap ourselves or others in. We throw them at people to shut down conversation. We weaponize them—using words like “liberal,” “conservative,” “woke,” or “fundamentalist” not to understand but to dismiss or insult.

And just as dangerous, we sometimes label ourselves based on a cause or issue we’re passionate about, and before long, that label starts to define us. But we’re more than that. You’re more than your politics, your denomination, your position on one hot-button topic.

Don’t become what you defend. You were made in the image of God—not in the image of a platform or policy. Let your identity be rooted in Christ, not in a label.

Jesus didn’t wear labels. He didn’t need them. And He didn’t use them to define or destroy others. He spoke to the heart—and that’s what we’re called to do, too.

Be a critical thinker. That doesn’t mean being cynical. It means slowing down, asking questions, and filtering everything through the Word of God. The world wants instant reactions. Jesus wants rooted responses.

And when we live that way—faith first, facts sorted out, emotions under control—the result is wisdom.

Not just being informed. Not just being right.

Wisdom—the kind that helps you walk through chaos with clarity.

Quick Recap to Remember:

• Follow Jesus — not a party, person, or policy.
• Know His Words — start with Matthew 5–7 and let it shape you.
• Be a Fact Finder — check everything before you claim it.
• Avoid Labels — don’t wear one and don’t weaponize one.
• Don’t Become What You Defend — your identity is in Christ alone.
• Think Critically — let God’s Word be your filter.
• Pursue Wisdom — that’s the goal. Always.

Call to Action:

Pick a headline or post that stirred something in you recently.

Now ask: Is it fact or just emotion? What’s the motive behind it? What does the Gospel say about it?

Write down what you find. Pray about it. Let Jesus recalibrate your thinking.

And if you haven’t read the Sermon on the Mount in a while, go back to Matthew 5–7 and read it slowly. Let those red-letter words set the standard.

Because in a world full of noise, the truth still speaks—if you’re willing to listen