Recently, we went to Silver Falls, near Nieta in Tasmania. Hubby looked up the details of the walk on the internet. It was listed as a Grade 1 (easy) 45-minute walk. Finding the walk was not easy. It wasn’t signed, and we didn’t have internet access to navigate to it. Fortunately, we met a young family at our lunch stop. They had Starlink, so could find the location for us on their phone, and hubby took a photo of the map.
We eventually found our way to the walk. Another couple, of similar age to us, were just beginning the walk. We asked if this was Silver Falls, and they said they thought it was. Because it was only Grade 1, we left our walking poles in the car and set off.
After only 100 metres, scrambling down a steep track, we regretted not having our poles, and commented that this was certainly NOT a Grade 1 walk. After about 15 minutes, we managed to get to the falls, which were far less spectacular than the photos on the internet, and met the other couple going back to the car park, without completing the circuit. They agreed that this was not Grade 1, and that they should have had their walking poles too.
We were disappointed about the misinformation about the walk, so when we got back to the van and internet connection, hubby checked the details. Ah-ha! The listing was for Silver Falls, Nieta, but when one clicked on the link, it went to another Silver Falls near Hobart. Apparently, the walk to those Silver Falls IS Grade 1.
So, don’t believe everything you read on the internet or hear from others. And check the fine print to look for misinformation or truth.
Hubby felt bad that he had given the young family misinformation. They had arrived at the walk soon after us, but we didn’t see them on the track, and when we got back, they were not at their car. So, if you, the family of four, travelling around Australia, are reading this, sorry about the misleading information!
As Christians, we are commanded to share the truth about Jesus with others. When we know how much Jesus has done for us, we can’t help but share the good news. We can do this with confidence, knowing it is not misinformation, but the truth.
Not everyone is ready, or willing, to hear the truth. We can’t force anyone to believe. Only the Holy Spirit converts people. Our job is to tell people what God has done for us, and for them.
The Christian message is simple, yet profound:
- You were born sinful.
- A price must be paid for all sin. The price is eternal death in hell.
- Jesus came to pay the price for you. He ransomed you, not because you deserved it, but because He loves you!
- If you believe this, Jesus has guaranteed eternal life for you in heaven.
[I’m planning to blog about these in more detail later].
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 (NIV)
What About You?
What has been your experience deciding if something was misinformation or truth?
Have you ever confidently told someone something, only to find out later that it wasn’t true?
What do you think of Jesus’ statement, “I am the way and the truth and the life”?