In today’s world, news channels and coffee shops are filled with people sharing their opinions, often in a manner that is prideful, abrasive, and rarely involving well-thought-out responses to critical questions. So why not jump into the fray and do the same? I have deep convictions and heart-felt opinions. I grieve, for example, over how recent years have brought the decay of our moral foundation and the loss of the beacon of hope this nation once represented. I am troubled by our lack of leadership and loss of influence in the world. I am appalled over how a segment of our nation has rejected the foundations of Eternal Truth and become intolerant to those who believe. So why do I refrain from engaging in opinion sharing on social media?
#1 I have deep convictions and believe that I can communicate them well without causing offense, but I have no control over the offensive and unwise comments that may come forth in the replies of others. Therefore, I choose to not be the cause or catalyst for offense.
#2 I have many friends of different cultures and backgrounds around the world. I honor and respect each of them. We may have differences of opinion, but those are shared best by honoring that relationship in personal conversation, not via social media. I place high priority on relationships. Relationships to me are more important than political opinion. Relationships are the basis of my calling to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
#3 I believe. I believe in the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I do not believe in man-made institutions. I do not believe political parties have our answers. I am friends with the One who does.
#4 A life lived in unashamed faith as a fragrance of Jesus Christ in this world speaks volumes more than social media posts ever will.
#5 Lastly, I believe the final word has already been given on all of the issues. We can have whatever opinion we have: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand” (Proverbs 19:21). If we support causes and elect candidates whose policies oppose God’s Truth, we are accountable. In Christ, there is no compromise, no matter what excuses we use to justify it. A little yeast ruins the whole batch of dough. God has already spoken. His Word has already settled the issues.
Do you want to change the world? Do it the way Christ did, in relationships. Speak boldly, but speak words of wisdom bathed in prayer and love. Stand for what is right, but do it with humility, meekness, and a caring heart. Honor the opinions of others and sow the seeds of His Truth into their lives, first by living His Truth before them so that they can see it. And pray. Pray for our nation and the world. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16 NLT).
God, help us not to be the noisy gongs and clanging cymbals Paul spoke about in 1 Corinthians 13:1. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to think, speak and live more like Jesus. And help us to devote the little time that remains to the very thing that is closest to the heart of the Great Shepherd: He left the 99 in safe pasture to find the one who had been lost. (Luke 15:4)