It is claimed that Snopes, which has existed since 1995, is "the definitive internet reference source for researching urban legends, folklore, myths, rumours, and misinformation." As a tool, Snopes seems to help the ordinary person sifting out "Fake News"! However, when it comes to spiritual matters, what happens?

In 1 John, the apostle says, that "it is not every spirit ... that you can trust" as "there are many false prophets, now, in the world" (v 1). So, what should we do?

St John says, "test them, to see if they come from God" (v 1). What is the test? It is this, "every spirit which acknowledges that Jesus the Christ has come in the flesh is from God" (v 2). Furthermore, St John says, that "those who know God listen to us (the apostles); those who are not of God refuse to listen to us. This is how we can tell the spirit of truth from the spirit of falsehood" (v 6). St John speaks too about "the spirit of the Antichrist whose coming you were warned about ... and is here in the world" (v 3). And add the "false prophets" who "are of the world ... and ... speak the language of the world" (verses 4-5).

As "children of God" (v 6), let us learn to be discerning at all times; and to take comfort, that we have in us "one who is greater than anyone in this world" (v 4). For 2021, may we faithfully "keep His commandments and live the kind of life that He wants" (v 22).