A recent cover story for The Economist, an international magazine, was entitled "Yes, I'd lie to you: The post-truth world." The article analyzed the dishonesty that's wreaking havoc in politics, journalism, social media, and many other areas of our common life. One expert quoted in the article said, "Right now, it pays to be outrageous, but not to be truthful."

The article also highlighted one of the most effective ways to tell lies—by hiding the truth in a glut of information. "'Information glut is the new censorship,' says Zeynep Tufekci of the University of North Carolina, adding that other governments are now employing similar tactics. China's authorities, for instance, do not try to censor everything they do not like on social media, but often flood the networks with distracting information. Similarly, in post-coup Turkey, the number of dubious posts and tweets has increased sharply. 'Even I can no longer really tell what is happening in parts of Turkey,' says Ms Tufekci, who was born in the country."

Possible Preaching Angles: Discernment; Distractions; Deceptions; Satan—In the same way, this information glut makes it difficult for Christians (and non-Christians too) to know the truth. Instead, we've become glutted with falsehood and truth, good and bad doctrine, good advice and bad advice. We desperately need true wisdom and discernment.