We live in a world overflowing with opinions, influencers, and viral Christian content. Everywhere we turn, someone is telling us what we should believe, how we should live, and what “faith” should look like.
And it raises an important question:
How do we know what’s rooted in God’s truth—and what’s just trending?
Scripture reminds us that not everything that sounds good is grounded in God’s Word. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Paul also warns that a time would come when people would gather voices that tell them what they want to hear rather than what is true (2 Timothy 4:3).
So how do we discern the difference?.
What is truth?
God’s truth is unchanging. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Biblical truth transcends time, culture, and trends.
What is trend?
Trends are often cultural, emotional, or popular ideas that may sound wise or affirming—but aren’t rooted in Scripture. Phrases like “manifest it,” “your truth,” or even redefining self-love as the highest form of love can feel empowering, yet drift from the heart of the gospel.
Not all trends are bad—but not all trends are biblical.
How do we tell the difference when things an look so similar online?
Scripture tells us plainly: “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). We are not called to believe everything we hear simply because it’s said confidently, beautifully, or by someone we admire.
A few questions worth asking:
Does this align with Scripture in context?
Does this glorify God—or elevate self?
Is it consistent with the character and life of Jesus?
Is this universally true, or does it only work within a certain culture or moment?
Would this still be true if it weren’t popular?
Can you imagine how different our consumption of content would feel if we approached it this way?
There are so many different trends that we confuse as truth, and this week on the podcast we are diving DEEP into three of them:
“Follow your heart.”
Culture tells us our hearts know best. Scripture tells us otherwise: “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). God calls us to follow His will, not our emotions—because feelings shift, but God’s Word does not.
“Do what makes you happy.”
Happiness and holiness are not always the same. Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:16–17 that the desires of the flesh often pull against the Spirit. Jesus Himself said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily” (Luke 9:23). God cares deeply about our joy—but He cares more about our health and overall purpose.
“Put yourself first.”
Our instinct is self-preservation, self-promotion, self-focus. But Scripture calls us to a different way: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3–4). Jesus invites us to go low, not grasp for control—to wash feet, not grab ankles (iykyk).
This week on The True North Podcast…
In a world saturated with viral Christian content, popular sayings, and feel-good faith messages, how do we know what’s truly rooted in Scripture—and what’s just trending?
In this episode, we unpack the difference between biblical truth and cultural trends, and why not everything labeled “Christian” actually aligns with God’s Word.
From phrases like “follow your heart” and “do what makes you happy” to the pressure to put yourself first, we examine how "trendy" ideas can subtly drift us away from the way of Jesus.
Using Scripture, we talk about:
•Why truth doesn’t change—even when culture does
•How to practice biblical discernment in a digital age
•Why feelings, popularity, and comfort can’t be our compass
•What it really means to follow Jesus when His way isn’t trending
If you’ve ever felt confused by conflicting Christian voices online or wondered how to stay grounded in God’s truth without becoming disconnected from the world, this episode will help you recalibrate your heart and mind back to the one who never changes - Jesus.
Have a great rest of your week and thanks for being here!
Love, Mykah (and Nimbus)
