THE internet is such a wonderful, fast moving and widely spread source of information used by the masses all over the world.

But it’s strengths become a weakness when we see the rise of phenomenon’s like ‘fake-news’ and mis-truths that are released to trick the population into behaving a certain way.

When faced with hundreds of sources of information and millions of messages flying at us, we are forced to ask ourselves, “Who can we believe and trust to tell us the truth?” Many revert back to the television and the charming face of a news-reader to provide the sense of trust that they desire when seeking the truth of events.

This need for truth is echoed in our personal lives too, when we seek opinion, direction and advice on the way we choose to live our lives and the passions we pour our lives into. So it’s no surprise that being connected to millions of people with a gigantic range of opinions over the internet means we are exposed to billions of messages that have the potential to shape our lives.

When it comes to words others say about us, do we listen and believe what people have to say? Do we believe what some people say about us more than others? Or do we let the flood of messages about ourselves wreak havoc on our hopes, dreams and the things we care about most?

Researchers say that we need to hear six positive comments to outweigh one negative comment. That likely means that unless we have a solid base of loving family or friends around us, our path in the world has been shaped who knows how many times by negativity. Are we allowing negative messages to shape our lives?

My 18month year old daughter is a beautiful ball of joy who has wonderfully chunky little arms and legs which help her to wiggle her way across any room and win the hearts of all she meets. And yes I know I’m very biased as her father, but she is truly perfect (unless she’s in a cheeky mood!). It makes me sad to confess she has already had comments about her ‘sturdy’ frame. I know people are hasty in looking for ‘something’ to say and love to crack a joke, but when I hear comments like, “She’ll never be a ballet dancer, will she?” it makes me want to put my hands over her ears forever.

As a parent you want to shower your child with positive, encouraging and inspiring messages because you love them. But now my motivation is also to counteract the negative messages she will no doubt hear from countless places throughout her life growing up. As a Christian I believe that God feels the same way about you and me!

The Bible is full of so many positive truth-filled messages from God to you and tells us that God created us all wonderfully unique and that he cares infinitely about our lives.

The first challenge I lay before us all today is to start listening to and believing what God has to say about us in the Bible. The second is for us to be positive influences in the lives of those around us. I have no doubt these two things will change our lives forever.

Chris Choules, Communications Director at Andover Baptist Church