Both technology and a sense of entitlement are a dangerous middle man for our communication with friends and acquaintances about sensitive topics.
Dangerous water for a blogger here.
Yet I will stick out my neck and preach to myself, too, because this has weighed so heavy on my heart.
What are some sensitive topics in the media of late? Transgender individuals? Homosexual relationships? Racism? Abortion?
We all have opinions and beliefs about these things, and these aren't usually topics on which we ride the fence. They're hard-hitting, often close to home, and our beliefs regarding them come from deep within our souls and even life experiences.
For Christians, these topics are tied directly to Scripture and what God says about sin and creation and abundant life.
For Christians, these topics are wide-open opportunities to share the light, life, and love of Christ through meaningful dialogue with people who have questions.
Yet we seem to, in our distress and concern and very real emotions, use these topics as a soap box, as a door to shout and point fingers and call names.
Some of us even call our President names and disrespect him up and down the street because we may disagree with some of his principles and decisions.
But the very Word of God tells us to "honor the emperor" (1 Peter 2:17). You know who was the emperor at the time Peter wrote this? Nero! This monarch set Christians on fire! What's to honor there?
And when did Facebook become an avenue to shame those who don't share our opinions and beliefs? It breaks my heart when I see such marked, heated, disrespectful posts on this online platform. It breaks my heart because I've done it before, and it breaks my heart because this is not the arena for such discussions.
Perhaps this is part of the reason why people say they like Jesus but not the church?
Dangerous water for a blogger here.
Yet I will stick out my neck and preach to myself, too, because this has weighed so heavy on my heart.
What are some sensitive topics in the media of late? Transgender individuals? Homosexual relationships? Racism? Abortion?
We all have opinions and beliefs about these things, and these aren't usually topics on which we ride the fence. They're hard-hitting, often close to home, and our beliefs regarding them come from deep within our souls and even life experiences.
For Christians, these topics are tied directly to Scripture and what God says about sin and creation and abundant life.
For Christians, these topics are wide-open opportunities to share the light, life, and love of Christ through meaningful dialogue with people who have questions.
Yet we seem to, in our distress and concern and very real emotions, use these topics as a soap box, as a door to shout and point fingers and call names.
Some of us even call our President names and disrespect him up and down the street because we may disagree with some of his principles and decisions.
But the very Word of God tells us to "honor the emperor" (1 Peter 2:17). You know who was the emperor at the time Peter wrote this? Nero! This monarch set Christians on fire! What's to honor there?
And when did Facebook become an avenue to shame those who don't share our opinions and beliefs? It breaks my heart when I see such marked, heated, disrespectful posts on this online platform. It breaks my heart because I've done it before, and it breaks my heart because this is not the arena for such discussions.
Perhaps this is part of the reason why people say they like Jesus but not the church?
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light...
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust...
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:9-23
Please, let us be that royal priesthood that proclaims Christ instead of representing Him with dissension and conflict. I am not saying we should stay out of politics because I think Christians have a very real and important place in our government (see Daniel). But our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and that must take precedence over our earthly citizenship.
Praise God for freedom of religion in the USA. Let us use our freedom well as we draw people to the awesome Gospel of Jesus Christ - the truth of the Gospel, but also the grace of it.
We have to be so careful how we represent our Lord on social media. It can be a great tool but also a great detriment. Difficult, sensitive conversations are best in person because that is how God created communication - face-to-face. I'm sure we can use Facebook and Twitter to stand up for truth on these topics, and we should, but we have to be ever so careful.
Let's not be an arrogant stench that makes the Gospel smell like garbage.
Instead, let's be that sweet aroma (2 Cor. 2:14) that intoxicates our searching world with the beauty of Christ.
