Social media is an odd fellow. In many ways it has drawn us closer together as we reconnect with old friends and connect with new ones. Yet, it reminds us how divided we can be as hot issues are debated. I have engaged it such debates from time to time, but I'm not so sure it has always been time well spent.
Yes, Christians should proclaim the truth, but not in places where God's truth is unwelcome. Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock" (Rev 3:20). The image we see is Jesus patiently waiting for us to let him in -- he does not barge in where he is not wanted. So, why do we insist on carrying His truth into hostile arenas where it is not accepted nor wanted?
The sad reality is that those who are still under the influence of the sinful nature are incapable of understanding spiritual things because sin blinds them from the truth (Romans 8:6-7). Sin creates a disdain for God's commands. Sin separates us further from God and His truth. So, don't get frustrated when non-believers misuse Scripture in an attempt to prove their point. Don't be surprised that they don't understand your point of view. Don't be shocked by their brashness toward that which is precious to you. Without the Holy Spirit's guidance, they do not and cannot fully understand God's eternal plan from Genesis to Revelation (1 Cor 2:10-16).
What, then, should we do? Love them as God loves them. Share the Good News with them as we are commanded to do in Matthew 28:19. Valiantly defend the truth of God's Word without shame (Romans 1:16). But don't continue to throw seed where it will be trampled. As Jesus put it, "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you" (Matthew 7:6). If the person, after hearing the gospel, is still hostile toward God's truth, perhaps it is time to shake the dust off your shoes (Luke 9:5).
4 comments:
It's hard when the Lord is the joy of your life and you want to share it and the swine are your own family. Not an easy life to live.
Thank you. This helps me to know how to deal with recent issues. I just don't understand why many people don't "get it" when it comes to loving others as yourself even though they believe differently than you do. I have had so many thoughts about what to say to make people understand, but I now see that sometimes it just isn't possible to make them understand, and it's just best to leave it alone. I appreciate your insight.
The best and most we can do is pray for them, witness to them, and live the Christian life in front of them.
As St. Francis of Assisi once said, "Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
The main desire of sinful man is to make himself a god, to sit on his own throne with total control, making his own rules. These rules are not absolute. He bends his own rules, justifying his sin and shortcomings because he doesn't like guilt and certainly doesn't want to fail his own morality. So, his morality is relative -- ever-changing to his situation and environment. He must then apply this moral relativism to everyone else lest he be called a hypocrite. The end result is each man being his own god with his own code of morality ("What right and wrong to you may not be right and wrong for me.")
This person rejects God because he does not want to be subject to God's Law. He simply hates the idea that any One should have control over him.
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