“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4
“…advances in technology have provided both the blessing of a more informed public and the curse of a misinformed one — men and women who are sure they know the truth because of what they have seen or been told on social media.” “The advantage of a free press is diminished when anyone can claim to be an objective journalist, and then
disseminate narratives conjured out of thin air to make others believe rubbish.”
“Each year, more states employ squads of opinion shapers to flood online sites. Extremist political movements … Engage in the same practice.”
“These troublemakers can generate products that can show people… doing things they didn’t do, and saying things they never said…”
“As a defense (against disinformation) the deployment of fact-checkers is helpful but can seem like dispatching a tortoise in pursuit of a hare that, unlike Aesop’s, has no I intention of slowing down.” “Leaders who play by the rules are having trouble staying ahead of a relentless news cycle and must devote too much effort trying to disprove stories that seem to come out of nowhere, and have been invented solely to do them in.”
“Globalism, which is not an ideological choice but a fact of life, has become an evil to be fought at all costs.”. M. Albright “Fascism”
I have gained a sense that globalization has come, and since the knowledge (or disinformation) has already been disseminated, there can be no going back. The cat is out of the bag.
What do I mean?
Well, for the first time, many left in the dark for centuries pertaining to world events, now are being informed. Life styles throughout the world are on display, as well as customs, habits, financial statuses, affluence and poverty. Human rights are coming to light, both right and wrong.
In addition, tourism has doubled since 1996. /data.worldbank.org/
And,
“Prior to the pandemic, Travel & Tourism (including its direct, indirect and induced impacts) accounted for 1 in 4 of all new jobs created across the world, 10.3% of all jobs (333 million), and 10.3% of global GDP (US$9.6 trillion).
Following a decrease of 69.7% in 2020, international visitor spending rose by 3.8% in 2021. https://wttc.org/Research/Economic-Impact
Friends, the traveling capacity for modern society and the increase of knowledge go hand in hand. And moreso:
Matthew 24:12 teaches us “…because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
This word for iniquity means essentially illegal activity, violation of the law.
So ,with the increase of wisdom from below, traveling advances, and subsequent opportunity for illegal gain,
2Timothy 4:3 informs us, “…the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”
How can people “heap” up teachers? Answer: Through the potential which we have gained through internet, social media, on line preachers. Etc.
Friends, today we can pick and choose the ticklers. What is creating the itching ears?
Hesychius explains, “hearing for mere gratification.”
A person who has forsaken the “love of the truth” finds only “self” remains and that “self” must be gratified.
In closing, “
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jude 1:20-23
More than ever, Beloved, draw near to God, the local assembly, His Word.
Lastly, the Words of Jesus Himself:
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
love ya