The Everlasting Memory

Last night’s episode of the X-Files was a comedic take on the Mandela Effect. What’s that? Basically, it’s when a person remembers something clear as day, but other people and the facts don’t back up that memory. It is a genuine memory, but it’s also false. It seems so right, but reality disagrees.

Spoilers ahead. You’ve been warned.

In classic X-Files fashion, many theories were put forth to explain this phenomena, namely parallel universes and mind control by a shadowy entity. One character postulates that a Dr. “They” is behind the Mandela Effect (which he errantly calls the Mengele Effect to the ire of Mulder and Scully). He claims that this nefarious person is behind the erasure of such knowledge throughout many eras of time. Mulder counters with a theory that the memories are true, but from another alternate universe.

What’s the truth, in the end? Neither. The conspiracy theorist is actually a mental patient with wild imaginings. The evil doctor claims to be manipulating people through the much more palatable subversive news, not brain control. And Mulder’s parallel universe theory has little ground to stand on other than a cheeky stinger near the end by Skinner.

Why am I talking about this? Well, because it’s fun to talk about the X-Files, of course! But that’s not the only reason I’ve brought up the Mandela Effect and this episode.

Some people (myself included) have suffered from the Mandela Effect when it comes to Scripture. We’ll readily remember a passage only for that passage to say nothing like what we remembered. We’ll then be angered or humiliated by our failing if we’re not stubborn. Others might even continue to believe their false version of what the Word says in order to exploit it.

An example: money is the root of all evil. You’ve heard that phrase before, right? Did you know it’s based in Scripture? And did you know it’s also incorrect? Here’s the actual passage:

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

There’s an important distinction here, don’t you think? Money isn’t the root of all evil. It’s inherently neutral, being an inanimate object with no consciousness. No, it’s the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil. Chasing after money, being greedy, is the problem. It’s a heart issue, not a wealth issue.

Let’s not stop there. Other passages from the Bible have been twisted or falsely remembered by non-believers and believers alike. Take the rather infamous proclamation to “judge not, lest you be judged.” Christians and non-Christians have used this to prevent folks from rightly criticizing the sinful actions of others. But what does Scripture actually say?

“Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5)

The full context of the verse makes things a bit more clear, doesn’t it?

First, it’s clear that we should be wary of judging in general. Why? Because we are judged in the same manner by others. More than that, the Lord is the ultimate judge of character and he sees the heart and the measure by which you judge others.

Second, we shouldn’t judge hypocritically. How can we reprimand someone for adultery while we’ve been committing that self-same sin with pornography? We can’t and shouldn’t. It’s the height of arrogance to believe yourself better than another, especially while doing the very thing you are judging them for. If both you and the person you’re judging are under the same error, then you’re not the one for the job.

Finally, we shouldn’t judge blindly. If we can’t see our own sin, then how can we be expected to make a rational decision in relation to another’s? And if our hearts aren’t right with the Lord, then who are we to be a witness against them?

Keep in mind that much of this passage is aimed at the Pharisees. Jesus disputed their hearts. Oh, the Pharisees knew the Law. They were experts. But they didn’t have eyes to see and ears to hear. They had been tainted by legalism and self-righteousness, prideful, not seeing the stain on their own souls. For that reason, they were called hypocrites.

As are we if think we’re better than another sinner, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

There are countless events and passages in Scripture which have been misapplied, misremembered, and manipulated for ulterior motives, deception, or even outright ignorance. The Mandela Effect is alive and well in the hearts and minds of the world.

So how do we fight such a phenomenon? How do we combat our sinful selves, our fallible brains? Answer: by trusting in the Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Savior. Remember that He is true and His Word is Truth.

And at the end of the day, the only memory that will matter is the one which isn’t blotted out under heaven. Turn to Him and you will have an everlasting memory, an eternal life with the Lord our God.

Thanks and praise be to Him! Peace be with you, brothers and sisters. God bless and have a great weekend.