The Three Sieves

In the times we live in today, it can be quite difficult to find sources of factual information.  It is disheartening when you read or hear something, only to find out later that it was an out and out lie or the facts had been twisted in some way so as to mislead. 

With that thought in mind, I remember a lesson I heard, wish I could remember where) about three sieves.  To get this you need to know what a sieve is and how it is used. The actual device is used in canning, draining many different cooked items, mining, and sorting through different substances. Below is the definition of a physical sieve.  “noun - a device with meshes or perforations through which finer particles of a mixture (as of ashes, flour, or sand) of various sizes may be passed to separate them from coarser ones, through which the liquid may be drained from liquid-containing material, or through which soft materials may be forced for reduction to fine particles.”  Sieve is also a verb, which simply means “to sift”.  This is the focus of my story.

When we hear or see anything, before we pass it on, we must put it through a sieve of common sense and Biblical perspective.  Ask your self these three questions?  1) Is it truthful?  Does what you are seeing, on TV or Media, make sense?  Does it defy what you already know?  2) Is it kind?  Is it obvious that the presenter has a bent in a certain direction?  Are they purposefully trying to sway your thinking in a certain direction? Are they badmouthing whatever the hot topic is at the moment? 3) Is it useful?  Is the info being shared something that you need to know?  Is the content pertinent to you and your situation? Will it help you or someone else?

I will admit that I am a technology junkie.  I have always loved anything with buttons.  I remember buying my first computer and being terrified of what it could do but at the same time thrilled with the possibilities.  As a teacher, I wanted to make things beautiful and attractive in my classroom.  When I learned to make beautiful nametags for my first-graders’ desks, I was beyond excited.  I could even print on colored paper. I know you are laughing at this but 30 years ago that was a BIG DEAL.  Yeah, only 30 years ago.  Look how far we have come.  It is astounding when you stop to think about it.  The people stuck in the mountains after hurricane Helene were clueless as to how far-reaching the devastation was beyond their own front door.

This story is as much a reminder to myself as anyone.  Don’t be too quick to pass on or share info that hasn’t passed through your 3 sieves.   God’s word tells us that Satan is the prince of the air and he will use whatever means is available to create chaos.  We must not allow ourselves to become part of the chaos. 

Lord,

    Thank you for the ability to quickly disseminate information for the good of your people.  Bind the hands and mouths of those who use it for evil.  Guard our eyes, hearts and minds as we use the tools that you have allowed to be created.  May we always use the 3 sieves to question what is truthful, what is kind, and what is useful.  Help us to not spread lies and false information.  May we always base our understanding on your word and the common sense you gave us. Help us to not be led astray by false teaching and charlatans.   Amen