An online community blogger recently posted a political "what if" question. Instead of his post becoming a basis for interesting discussion, I watched as he was met with some severe comments about his character. Interestingly, though he claims to be a Christian, the blogger's responses to some of these posts were equally venomous.

That's news to me

Now let's shift focus a little. Discussing with a friend how hard finding real news is today—at least on television—I mentioned a story that a national agency had picked up about a man arrested for driving drunk…while riding a horse. Funny, granted, but this is news!?

Our discussion sparked the thought of how foolish news programs have become. In fact part of the success of comedy news programs is due to their entertaining coverage of some of the more interesting aspects of daily life in America and around the globe. It marks a trend.

Talk it up

Another trend that's been steadily climbing for several years now is the increase in talk shows on TV and radio. Interviews with celebrities, authors showcasing their new books and spiritual gurus giving advice are common themes on these shows.

Tying the two trends together, I was appalled to find recently that Yahoo news considered the reason behind Gwyneth Paltrow's shiny legs on a recent talk show appearance to be a top story.

Really? This is news!? And no, I didn't click on the story to find out. I don't care.

Advice to a young adult

So where do we go with this? Two principles come quickly to mind:

•  "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels" (2 Timothy 2:23, New International Version).
•  "Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge" (1 Timothy 6:20).

I find it very interesting that Paul the apostle directed these and similar comments to Timothy, a young adult leader in the Church. Could it be because these are the most likely things to pull us away from a Christian perspective?

Pulled in every direction

As young adults, we live in an increasingly fascinating world that seeks to draw us in with its "wisdom," advice, profound technology and constant activity. Are all these things wrong? Of course not! And that's the challenge.

There's nothing wrong with a healthy debate. It sharpens our senses and can crystallize our thinking through logical reasoning. The problem arises when our perspective is flawed—when we fill our minds with false knowledge, attempt to create a foundation of reason upon it and allow it to lead to quarrels.

To better understand this dynamic take a few minutes to read the interview "A College Professor Discusses Differences in Christianity."

Guard your trust

There is only one answer—if we're serious about being Christians. We must have a foundation of truth. And contrary to what an online debate, a national news program or a talk show would tell you, there is an absolute truth—God's.

May I recommend that you begin finding this truth by reading through Paul's epistles to Timothy and learn with me how to make the most of being a young adult Christian? VT