I’m sitting here, at my desk, looking out the window…it’s dismal, grey, rainy…and I know it’s affecting me. Part of me just wants to curl up with a good book, cup of tea, and just escape the gloom, but the “practical part” of me knows I have a paper to write, a fundraiser to get ready for, a house that needs cleaning…etc…it never ends, does it? What to do?
Escaping to social media isn’t really an escape. Every second post is a pro or con message about the refugee crises, religious wars, terrorism, abortion, human trafficking, red coffee cups, wars on Christmas…yada, yada, yada…!! I get caught up in it all, yes, then my blood pressure rises, and end up having long conversations with myself. What to say? Do I need to say anything? Does it really make a difference?
Honestly, it makes really no difference. I can write something, and maybe even start a “war” on a facebook feed. It will be forgotten in a few days anyway. We are a society that gets excited about something, and then forgets it when the next bit of news comes across the screen.
Instant gratification.
Distraction.
Rhetoric.
And a waste of the time we have. Precious time.
So, how do we make a difference in this world? Is it by endless political or religious posting? Does changing the color of our face on social media really support anyone? Does it mean that we are praying for someone? Supporting someone/something? It looks good maybe, but saying that we are praying for something and ACTUALLY praying are two totally different things. Praying is an action verb, not a platitude.
Does saying that we are praying make the difference? No…
Does spending time on our media feed make a difference? No…
Does spending time in the Word and crying before Jesus make a difference. Yes!
So, will spouting our opinions on social media make a change? Or will praying to God, and speaking to people that can make a difference make the change. Think about it. I have to really spend time thinking about this myself.
Remember, it’s the spirit of fear that keeps this endless cycle going. Violence, moral failures, war, media, and the valueless things our society holds as important…this is what feeds us. We go up and down with our emotions. We are distracted, angry, bitter, scared, and for what? Does that take the message of love to the people that need it? Does it help the homeless? Does it feed the hungry? Does it forgive enemies? It’s a distraction.
Nothing is more effective in the enemy’s agenda than a Christian who wastes time doing nothing tangible. A Christian who is scared of him…that’s a triumph. Exactly what he wants.
I don’t want to be an ineffective witness for Jesus. He needs His hands and feet on the ground, working to spread His message of hope, and love.
Yes, our world is in a spiral of hopelessness and fear, but I don’t have any reason to be in that same spiral. I have hope. My life is limited and I am not afraid to die. So, what am I afraid to lose???
Jesus says in Matthew 24:6-7, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.”
Don’t panic!
Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Don’t be afraid!
James 1:17-24, 26-27, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
Ouch, and Amen!!