Thought for the Month January 2026

Let me start by wishing all our Thought for the Month readers a very happy and peaceful New Year, and that the blessings of the closing Christmas season be with you always.

As I look back on 2025 the proliferation of misinformation, spin, fabrication, half-truths, or to use current vernacular ‘fake news’ seems even greater than ever. And it seems to be rife within nations, governments and media of almost all political persuasions. A skill that has been honed by many of them is to be able to make a truthful statement and yet somehow use it to mislead the listener or reader, just enough truth not to be lying but leaving out vital context. This is done, of course, to promote their own agendas and all too often with malicious intent. Sometimes they will tell full on lies! The spreading of all this misinformation is made easier by modern social media. But I think we must ask the question, how often have we picked out bits and pieces of it without proper thought and, perhaps unwittingly, spread stories that are not entirely true?

At this point I must be careful not to fall into the trap of maligning all politicians, journalists and the media in general, there are many who strive to do the right thing and to tell things as they truly are, some at great risk to their own lives and wellbeing. Let’s pray that they will be strengthened and encouraged in their endeavours.

So, what are we supposed to do? One thing might do is take a leaf out Luke’s book. At the beginning of his gospel, he writes this:

Luke 1:1-4 N.I.V. (All emphasis mine)

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

When it comes to National and International events, it’s not often possible for us to gain eyewitness accounts for ourselves, but we can try to investigate carefully and not get sucked into suspect rhetoric, instead seeking out those accounts that are trustworthy. The same can apply in our personal lives and communities. When it comes to ‘gossip’ particularly when it is vicious and unkind, and very often only part of the picture, before adding fuel to the fire maybe we should keep quiet unless or until we can investigate fully and if necessary, put the record straight, even if that means upsetting someone!

Luke brough us well-researched, truths beginning with the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, whose own birth we have just been celebrating.

Jesus’ opponents often tried to catch him for example

Mark 12: 14 N.I.V.

14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?

What they failed to realise was that the words they used to try and trick him turned out to prove his credentials

He did have integrity, he didn’t show partiality and he did teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. He did what was right.

We have celebrated His birth, now let us celebrate His life by following His lead.

Let me finish as I started by once again wishing you a Happy New Year, full of God’s truth, and love.

Prayer

Heavenly Father
In a world where it is often difficult to see
What is true and what is false, guide us we pray.
Give us the strength, perseverance and courage
To seek out the truth
To stand up for what is right and true.

Give strength, wisdom and courage
To politicians, journalist and others who
Seek to do and say the right things.
And Lord, turn the hearts of those who
Seek to tyrannise, coerce and oppress
Using fabrication and falsehood.

We ask these things in the name of our
Guide and saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Steve