Do You Have the Facts? - A FEW PROVISIONS TO HELP US GET THE FACTS

What provisions had been made to keep God's people up-to-date with accurate Information? 

BREAKING NEWS:  The feature Breaking News on the jw.org website provides quick, brief updates to Jehovah's people on major events happening worldwide.

NEWSROOM: This regular section on jw.org contains more extensive reports on matters affecting our freedom of worship and on our response to natural disasters. 

JWBROADCASTING: This Internet television station provides video updates on the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide.

Believing a false report can be disastrous. For example, consider what happened in Moses' to, when 10 of the 12 spies who were sent to explore the Promised Land brought back a bad report.  (Numbers 13:25-33)  Their exaggerated and outrageous account completely disheartened Jehovah's people.  (Numbers 14:1-4)  Why did the people react this way?   Perhaps they though  that since the majority of the spies brought a bad report, their account must be true.  They refused to listen to the good report brought by the trustworthy men Joshua and Caleb.  (Numbers 14:6-10)  Instead of getting  the facts and showing confidence in Jehovah, they chose to believe the bad report. How foolish!

We need to be especially cautious when we come across reports regarding Jehovah's people. Never forget that Satan is the accuser of god's faithful servants.  (Revelation 12:10)  Therefore, Jesus warned that opposers would "lyingly say every sort of wicked thing" against us.  (Matthew 5:11)  If we take that warning seriously , we will not be shocked when we hear outrageous statements about Jehovah's people.

Are you the kind person who enjoys sending e-mails and text messages to your friends and acquaintances?  If so, when you see a newly published story in the news media or hear and experience you might feel is like a news reporter who wants  to be the first to break and exciting story.  However, before  you send that text message or e-mail, ask yourself: 'Am I certain that the information I am about to spread is true?  Do I really have the facts?'  If you are not certain, you could unwittingly circulate false information among our brotherhood.  If in doubt, hit the delete key, not the send button.

There is another danger in quickly forwarding e-emails and texting messages. In some lands, our work is under restriction or outright ban.  Our opposers in such lands may purposely circulate reports designed to instill fear or to cause us to distrust one another.  Consider what happened to he former Soviet Union.  The secret police,  known as the KGB, spread rumors  that various prominent brothers had betrayed Jehovah's people.  Many put confidence  in such false reports, and  as a result, they separated themselves from Jehovah's organization.  How sad!  Thankfully, many returned later, but some never did.  Their faith was shipwrecked.  (1 Timothy 1:19) How can we avoid such a disastrous outcome?  Refuse to circulate  negative or unsubstantial reports.  Do not be naive, or gullible.  Be sure  you have the facts. 

Next time:  Do You Have the Facts? - INCOMPLETE INFORMATION

From the jw.org publication