Usually, I don’t use the blog to vent because it’s a devotional blog, devoted to sharing God’s Word. However, I’ve been troubled lately about the comments, posts, tweets, and updates (or whatever you want to call them) on Facebook by those who profess salvation. Quite frankly, I am appalled by some of the comments. Those of us who call ourselves saints of God are expected to walk worthy of the calling that God has placed on our lives.
One of the publishers for my novel, The Taste of Good Fruit, is Walk Worthy Press. The title of the publishing company was given to Denise Stinson, the publisher. There are several references in scripture about walking worthy but a key one is from Ephesians 4:1, which says, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering; forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Throughout the writing and publication process, I was always reminded to “walk worthy.” As servants of the Lord, we are not instructed to be led by our flesh, but by His Spirit and His Word. In these verses, Paul reminds us that we represent Christ. We have a responsibility to represent Him at all times, not just on Sunday morning or Bible study nights.
On the internet, people often post things about people that they wouldn’t say directly to them. People want to air their true feelings on social media forums, such as Facebook because they want people to click the “Like” button and comment back. While this may gratify them and momentarily make them feel important and funny, have they considered the impact on all the others who don’t click the “Like” button or comment? Have they considered that if they call themselves Christians, it is never okay to be mean-spirited and “throw-off” on other people, especially those of the household of faith?
The Word says, “we are to forbear one another in love.” If it’s not uplifting the body of Christ, we shouldn’t say it, type it, text it, or post it. Philippians 4:8-9 instructs believers on what our thoughts should be. After we are given a list of the things we should think on, which includes things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, Paul says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” When believers’ thoughts are resting on picking people apart and then taking it to others on internet to laugh about and expose others' weaknesses and flaws, it’s an affront to the name of Christ we profess to represent. In addition, the God of peace can’t be with those who engage in this behavior.
Paul also tells us, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:21). Our conversation and our written (and typed) words should never be ones that divide, alienate, or offend any, especially in the body of Christ. Our goal should be to lift one another up, recognizing that none of us is perfect. As a body, we should be striving to help one another become more like him, which means being more effective, bearing much fruit, and advancing the Kingdom.
The Bible says that love covers a multitude of sins. As believers, Jesus’ love for us covers our sins, and He is our model, not the world. Let’s all strive to walk worthy in what He has called us to do and how he has called us to do it.
Striving to Walk Worthy With You,
MaRita
I wish this thread was on the window and front door of face book. One of my book club members had an issue with me and she posted it on face book. Never once coming to me to discuss it. I had people saying Missy so and so wrote blah blah about you.
ReplyDeleteI was floored because I didn't know we were having problems. When I saw the post I called her, texted her and sent email but she didn't respond. She never gave me a chance and then all of a sudden she left the bok club. Today I don't know what the problem was but posting those emotional edits on face book I will NEVER understand. The saddest part of all we attend church together and use to fellowship together when we sat together.
Paul says in Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
Missy,
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying with you about that situation because it's sad when believers allow issues to divide them without even directly addressing the problem. I'm sorry to hear about that. I don't think a lot of people realize the magnitude of posting things on the internet. They don't go away easily. I'm sure that was very hurtful, but hopefully the Lord will settle her and she will come to talk soon.
I think if believers band together and post the Word (as you did), and uplift the name of Jesus--through whatever negative situations we are faced with, people will see that light and be drawn. As you have said, we can't allow our emotions to drive us because we'll end up in a ditch. We have to feed our spirits with His Word, prayer, and obedience.
Thank you for your post and know I'm praying with you and for you. Keep on doing what you're doing!