Social media is quite the platform, isn’t it? The topics to get all riled up about over the past months have swirled and turned at a dizzying pace. Everyone’s got an opinion, which is fiercely touted as established, irrevocable fact.
But to what end? What is all the blustering really for? Is it really to help others?
Here’s my opinion–it all reeks. Underlying all of it is thinly-veiled pride.
“My insight is deeper and more thorough than yours, and I must enlighten you.”
“My sources are better than yours, so I know better than you do.”
But what does the Word say?
Here’s something I came across in my reading this week in Paul’s letter to Timothy:
Remind everyone about these things (listed in verses 11-13), and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
2 Timothy 2:14, 16, 23 NLT
Ouch. That leads me to ask:
- Are my words (spoken and posted) ruining others’ lives in some way?
- Are they leading to more godless behavior, such as “bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander,” as spoken of in Ephesians 4:31?
- Are they starting fights?
Friends, let’s return to humble obedience.
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
1 Peter 3:8
Let’s remember that the ground is level at the foot of the cross. None of us is better than another, and none of us deserves preferable treatment.
To top that off, we’re all severely lacking in the wisdom department compared to the God who holds the universe together!
So the next time you see something online that you think is absolute garbage, “Stop . . . avoid . . . don’t get involved!” Most folks these days aren’t going to change their views by reading your well-phrased, exceptionally clever response anyway. Instead,
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Colossians 4:6
Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29
How will you respond with words this week?
May we follow this encouragement Paul wrote to Timothy:
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
