As far as I can recall, there is only one Latin phrase I know, and it can be credited to, of all things, a sitcom TV show. The show was “The Brady Bunch” and the episode dealt with the oldest son, Greg, and his attempt to buy his first car. In an approach to provide some wisdom and squelch the over-zealousness of his son, the father, Mike used the phrase “caveat emptor” to enlighten Greg to the possible hazards to be aware of. Translated, the phrase means, “let the buyer beware” and that the buyer is the one who is responsible for making sure the interested goods are in suitable condition and quality before the purchase is made. Thus the buyer needs to be able to discern whether the person making the sale is honest or lying. The saying likely came about due to another idiom used; “There’s a sucker born every minute.”
There are two “salesmen” who are offering their wares to everyone, and it is up to each individual to decide which one they will listen to and believe. The thing is that the cost of the decision is high; in fact, it is the most important decision they will make in their life.
One salesman, Mr. Liar (John 8:44), makes fantastic and wonderful sounding offers, some sounding too good to be true:
- Pick a religion, any religion. They are basically all the same; the road may be different, but they all lead to the same destination. All roads lead to heaven.
- It’s my life, so essentially, it’s all about me and my desires. I can do whatever I want to make me happy.
- Fame and fortune will make me happy. The more people who know me means I will have more influence and the ability to get what I want.
- I’m not that bad. Sure I’ve made some mistakes, but overall I’m a good person.
- There’s a verse in the Bible that says, “God is love.” So that means he loves everyone, and we’ll all get into heaven.
- I’m not a good person, in fact, I’m so bad I can’t be forgiven for some of the things I’ve done.
- God isn’t real; he’s just a fantasy someone made up in the past to help resolve from feeling bad. The Bible is just a book of stories made up and can’t be trusted.
In response, here’s what the other salesman, Mr. Truth, has to offer:
I am the Lord; there is no other God. I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. (Isaiah 45:5, 12 NLT)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NLT)
“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT)
Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. (Romans 6:16 NLT)
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:19-21 NLT)
You must fear the Lord your God and serve him. (Deuteronomy 6:13 NLT)
“No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” Romans 3:10-12 NLT)
Love is just one of the many characteristics God possesses. He is also the Judge, lawgiver, and King (Isaiah 33:22), just (Psalm 75:1-7, Eccl. 3:17), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-12) and sovereign (1 Chronicles 29:11-13). He is the one who has provided the laws and knows who has broken them. Yet he is also full of grace (Ephesians1:5-8), mercy (Deuteronomy 4:29-31), and as an intercessor (Hebrews 4:14-16) has provided a means for “whosoever” seeks forgiveness for their sins (John 3:16-18).
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NLT)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)
How do you validate between the two? The best is to do research, finding evidence regarding the subject and seeing whether the information you’ve been provided is true or not. As the dad in the show was trying to tell his son, “Only a simpleton believes what he is told! A prudent man checks to see where he is going.” (Proverbs 14:15 TLB)
The result of trusting in lies is they provide false information and assumptions, leading to misguided decisions. This can lead to eroded relationships, damaged credibility, and societal division.
Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed. (Proverbs 12:19 TLB)
In a world where truth and falsehoods often compete for our attention, it is imperative to exercise discernment and critical thinking. The contrast between the two serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information and making informed decisions, especially in matters as significant as faith, morality, and most importantly, your eternal destination.
What steps will you take to ensure that you’re making informed decisions and discerning truth in your own life?”
Reflections 