An Uncertain Sound: Finding Truth in all the Noise

     As a Christian and an American citizen, I have paid close consideration to the many events of the past few months, as well as remaining in constant prayer. I have watched a tumultuous war of ideals rage across my country's already devastated landscape, battling not with the ebb and flow of slow progress, but demanding immediate change; as well as the nation's attention all at once. 

     I find it interesting that no matter which side you champion, or what cause you fight for; every single movement will always contain one very interesting quality. Noise, and lots of it, at that. At every corner of the country, there are people raising their voices in either protest or praise of an issue or moral dilemma that they deem worth something. We all have voices, right? Haven't we been told so ever since we were little? I certainly was, and when I was younger I had always viewed that as something inherently good. After all, isn't that our right? To be more then a mere pawn in the vast ocean of society by using the voices God gave us to incite change? With that bold ideology, how could anything ever go wrong?

     More then I believe we'd dare to mention.

    You see, our society tends to idolize those who are loud, bold, and unashamed in their stances. However, are those stances worth championing? Voices raised in unison are inspiring; but if those voices aren't being raised for the right reasons, the results are far from good. When misinformation spills into the stream, like poison infecting the blood, the truth becomes diluted and unclear. There are plenty of examples of this in our society, and they are easily found. Hollywood is a prime example of raised voices, fiercely stated opinions, and bold declarations...that amount to nothing. True change will only occur when truth is actually being spoken.

     But, Hollywood isn't the only place you will find serious compromise. It is also found in a place that I, as a Christian, am ashamed and frustrated to admit. Yes, I am referring to the Church. Instead of sending out a clarion call crying for unison and true change, we would rather debate over theology, politics, morality, and all the manner of issues we're too prideful to lay aside. We're all shouting, no-one's listening, and all we're doing is creating a lot of needless noise. For example, 1 Corinthians 14:8 states, "For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?" The Bible has plenty to say on how we should view controversial topics, as well as how we should speak out for or against them. When we do not do this, and instead fall prey to false doctrine and beliefs, far more often then not we fail to recognize the infectious danger they bring.

     The only way to break free from the blinding mentalities of the enemy is to see as God sees, and base our actions and stances solely upon the Word, and nothing else. Feelings are incredibly convincing deceivers, and unfortunately many today choose the unpredictability of emotion over the steadfastness of truth. Yes, our country still stands in very troubling waters, I will be the first to freely admit that, and as long as that continues to be the case, we as Christians must stand in the gap and uphold the standard, no matter the cost.

     Because when we truly unite and raise our voices as one, no enemy of the cross will be able to drown out the glorious sound of the trumpet's call.