Page 18 - March 2026 - Truth & Tidings

Introduction bers 13-14 contains lessons of solemn
Sharing content digitally is undoubt- weight. The nation’s possession of Canaan
edly one of the most powerful ways we was assured, but their enjoyment of it
depended on obedience. All twelve spies
communicate today in our interconnected saw the same land, the same abundance
world. The potency of sharing images, and the same inhabitants, yet their reports
text and video content lies in its ability to were completely different. In Numbers
influence others. A single post, message or 13:32, ten spies shared a false and “evil
forwarded link can affect someone’s emo- report.” The result? Israel received a dis-
tions, beliefs or decisions and, ultimately, torted picture of their future homeland,
their worldview. Consequently, sharing and their self-perception shrivelled to
in the digital realm goes far beyond the that of “grasshoppers.” Caleb, by con-
technical transfer of data. It becomes a trast, “stilled the people” and insisted
spiritual act, one capable of subtly yet they were “well able to overcome” the
powerfully shaping our daily walk with land. Through accurate information and a
God. Any influence on our spiritual lives faith-filled spirit, he sought to strengthen
demands careful attention. What we the people’s confidence and improve
share affects not only our relationship their spiritual welfare simply by sharing
with God but also our relationship with the truth. In a digital age overflowing
our spouse, our assembly, our elders and with misinformation, exaggeration and
the many people who make up our fol- emotionally charged content, this ancient
lowers list. These are high stakes indeed, example is startlingly relevant. Sharing
yet Scripture offers timeless principles what is skewed or untruthful can wound
for how believers should share: exactly, a believer’s spiritual wellbeing and hinder
exemplarily and encouragingly, principles their progress. Exaggerated stories about
clearly illustrated in the conduct of Caleb fellow believers, even in jest, should be
and Joshua in Numbers 13-14. avoided. Edited or doctored videos of as-
Sharing Exactly sembly activities that turn spiritual gath-
erings into light comedy can damage a lo-
“Put away falsehood, let each one of cal testimony. God’s command in Exodus
you speak the truth with his neighbor” 23:1, “You shall not spread a false report,”
(Eph 4:25 ESV). remains unchanged. We are called to be
Brightly and loudly singing “Twelve Calebs in a world dominated by ten-spy
men went to spy in Canaan” is a fond reports. As one message brought discour-
childhood memory for many, yet Num- agement to an entire nation, one careless

82 TRUTH kTidings March 2026