Following the election of President Biden in 2020, someone came up with the theory that the election had been rigged and President Trump had actually won.

People who believed these things refused to change their minds even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The problem was not the evidence - it was that people did not want to believe it.

This was at play 2,000 years ago when those whom Jesus came to redeem refused to believe him.

Not because the evidence was lacking, but because they just did not want to change their minds.

In a world filled with hoaxes, scams, and disinformation, how are we to make sense of things and make sure we're driving in the 'truth' lane?

We have to consider three things - 1) We're biased. Can we admit that when we look at anything, by definition, we look through a particular lens that is not all-encompassing? 2) Humility. Can we be open to the possibility we may be wrong? How willing are we to change our minds? 3) Community. Can we be in real relationship with a variety of people whom we respect and who have varied opinions, and not just hang around the safety of our own silos?

Being open to the vastness of God's possibilities means doing the difficult work of humility, respect for those who believe differently, and open-mindedness. When we refuse, the stakes are high - and we may find ourselves face to face with Jesus and not recognizing him.