DON’T
BE TAKEN IN BY THE “SPIN”
The place of “spin doctors” is everywhere
in evidence across America. Putting a prejudiced slant on issues, though once
practiced with a degree of subtlety, is now brazenly exercised. Even more now
than in recent history, Christians are to be on guard lest they fail to be a
people of truth. The prevailing climate of dishonesty is well suited for being
tempted into the popular foolishness of spin. Jesus, however, requires otherwise.
Don’t be taken in by the spin!.
NECESSARY CONTEXT FOR
MATTHEW 5:33-37
1. The
context from the Sermon on the Mount itself (Matt. 5:17-20).
a. Jesus’
purpose was not to set aside the Law of Moses, but to fulfill it.
b. The
Pharisees had corrupted its intent.
c. Jesus
gave its proper interpretation.
2. The
Old Testament context of vows (Lev. 19:12; Num. 30:2; Deut. 23:21-23).
a. Vows
were voluntary undertakings between a person and God.
b. They
were not intended to be the basis of interpersonal relationships.
c. The
Pharisees distorted the Law and made a mockery of vows (Matt. 23:16-22).
THE NATURE OF THE
“SPIN”
1. Trustworthiness
had been violated by the Pharisees through their misuse of vows.
2. There
are a number of ways a spin can be used to deceive.
a. The
abuse of context to give the appearance of biblical support, as the Pharisees
had done to disadvantage people (Matt. 4:6-7; cf. Ps. 91:1-12; II Pet.
3:14-16).
b. Embellishing
performance to fake acceptability (I Sam. 15:7-14, 20-23).
c. Ignoring
sinfulness to give a good impression (Jn. 12:1-6).
d. Claiming
ignorance to avoid facing guilt (Ex. 32:1-6, 21-24).
RATHER THAN SPIN,
HONESTY (Matt. 5:33-37).
1. Appropriate
responses designed to help others (Col. 4:5-6; Eph. 5:15-16).
2. Dependability
valued over personal gain (Psa. 15:4c; Jas. 5:12).
3. True
communication is the aim (I Cor. 2:10-13).
4. Trustworthiness
developed (II Kg. 22:4-7; I Cor. 4:1-2).
Spin comes from pride and insecurity. In
Christ we can find the humility and confidence necessary to trust in God rather
than in ourselves. Whether it be to enhance or status, diminish our faults,
make others look bad, profit from the loss of others, or any other misguided
attempt to deceive, don’t be taken in by the spin!
Edwin
11/26/00
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