Everything you didn’t want to know about washing machines… Several years ago, my wife and I bought a new washing machine but it didn’t have that center post thingy inside when we go it home. We weren’t very observant at the store! What we learned is that new washing machines were being built with new technology; it had been a while since we bought a new machine. Here is what we learned… “Agitators and impellers are both found in top loading washing machines, but they clean in two different ways. So what’s the main difference between agitators vs. impellers? Washing machines with agitators use a central post that twists back and forth, rubbing against clothes to help break apart stains. In contrast, washing machines with impellers use a low-profile cone or disc that spins/rotates to rub clothes against each other to get them clean.”
We also found out very quickly that the spin cycle sounded like a jet airplane engine ready for take off; our clothes were practically dry before they ever made it to the dryer. Our spin cycle takes off and the house becomes a rocket ready for a trip to Mars. It got me thinking about the “spin cycles” of information in our lives that try to take us places we wouldn’t ordinarily go or send us down the path of deception, manipulation and lies. Often, these “spin cycles” are done in the name of Jesus, and we buy in, and we consume, and we share with others.
As disciples of Jesus, we must be cautious and wise not to get caught up in the “spin cycle” of information that comes to us from multiple media outlets.
From Wikipedia… “In public relations and politics, spin is a form of propaganda, achieved through knowingly providing a biased interpretation of an event or campaigning to influence public opinion about some organization or public figure. While traditional public relations and advertising may manage their presentation of facts, "spin" often implies the use of disingenuous, deceptive, and manipulative tactics.”
Sadly, we are caught up in this with our religious rhetoric and our Christian media sources; pointing fingers at those who we believe to be “persecuting the church” in a variety of ways. We think we are “exempt” from just about everything that hinders our right to assemble and say whatever we choose no matter how badly it hurst someone. We receive half of the “story” and we take it from there, doctoring up the facts and “spinning” the tale to our advantage so as to appear that we are the less fortunate ones. We blindly forget the truth from God’s word that we boldly proclaim as the antidote for the sinfulness that plagues our world.
My prayer for all of us goes something like this... Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, forgive us of our sinful, selfish ways. Heal us of our hypocrisy and judgmental nature; forgive us for not loving You and our neighbor. Forgive us for not being obedient to Your Word. Break our hearts and heal them again, and give us wisdom so our minds will be strong. Give us clean hands and a willingness to serve others.
Let’s review the truth so that we can avoid the “spin cycle”…
Mark 13:5… Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 6 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.
Romans 16:17, 18… Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.
Romans 13:1, 2… Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Philippians 2:3-5… 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Matthew 25:37-40… 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’