Real or Fake: Who Knows Anymore?

Okay, so we recently celebrated another April Fools Day. I get sucked into someone’s prank every year thinking that, as The Who sang many years ago, “I won’t get fooled again.”

And yes, I may have also vlogged one of those pranks again this year, but at my age my memory is very good, but short. So you’ll have to ask someone who reads or watches my posts.

But let’s face it. With all sorts of acronyms and abbreviations like AI, CGI, Ken Burn, NLE, VR and NCIS Sydney, it’s hard to know what’s real and what isn’t. Did those two airliners really fly that close? Did that momma bird really carry her seven eaglets in a Chik-fil-A bag? Did a 3-year-old ping pong player really win the World Table Tennis Championship?

Was that really Elvis in the background of Beyonce’s Grammy picture? My money’s on the eagles.

However, being fooled, pranked or just entertained again by some very creative people (I’m not bragging of course) in music, sports, videography, etc. really isn’t that big of a deal, especially if it’s all in fun. And if I actually did do that April Fool’s thing this year, you were fooled again and are angry that you didn’t see it coming, remember I’m on anti-rejection meds. I’m good.

In contrast, true or false, real or not real, is a bigger issue when it involves people’s health, personal relationships, deception that hurts or shames, making money by cheating. It’s major when someone claims to live by certain principles criticized anyone who doesn’t agree, then is later exposed as just as guilty as those they demean

So are there attitudes and actions that we might look for in others (and also apply to ourselves, if needed) that could be signs of deeper problems with honesty, genuineness and good character.

This is especially important if we’re hiring, seeking volunteers, considering friends for us and the kids or dealing with someone regarding a conflict or mistreatment.

First, monitor whether someone has the tendency to cover up personal negatives and appear to be trying to always look good. They imply that everything’s wonderful, but when challenged focus on or blame others, become a victim or at best refer to a personal, though often illogical excuse.

A genuine person of character, however,  is willing to be appropriately honest, get help with their blind spots and weaknesses and admit they’ve still got a ways to go to overcome their humanity and admitted deficiencies.

Second, notice how often someone one-ups others. You know what I mean? It’s when another person tells about their trip, special opportunity or recent success only to have almost immediately tell a better, more impressive story.

Person one says, “This year we got to take a special trip out of state with the kids, something we haven’t been able to do for years.” The whole family was excited about it and the person telling about it couldn’t be happier for the opportunity.

However,  our person of interest says, “Well that’s nice, but Jan and I took our third cruise this year and next spring we’re going to be hiking in the Himalayas.”

When their typical next line starts with, “Well, what happened with us was blank,” don’t be too impressed.

Third, listen for how often they actually DID or still DO what they promise rather than merely talk about it. A simple question or inquiry can be helpful. “Hey, you mentioned your concern and plans to help the needy in your community. I’d love to hear about one of the groups or individuals you’re working with.”

Or, if they’re criticizing someone, some group, some organization, ask them for a specific example that would illustrate why they feel so negatively. We never need to speak in a demeaning, arrogant or rude manner if we know how to ask the right questions in a respectful way, even if we don’t get a similar response or attitude.

Nobody’s perfect and of course our goal can’t be to expect that. But when there are people being put in place to lead us, model or mentor or we’re working with someone who we need to be able to trust, we can’t “be fooled again.”

And while this may not sound very biblical or logical, don’t ignore your gut. When something doesn’t seem to add up, when you have a serious wondering about what might be going on, but you can’t put your finger on it, keep your eyes open, ask God for wisdom and don’t look the other way.

Because as some of you have heard me say in my little life theorem: If you let something continue, it will. And then hang on to the guidance your most important source of wisdom - Jesus, You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)