This morning, again this afternoon, and yet again this evening, I was reminded of an important event in the lives of my sons. The first time was within 30 minutes of being awake, the second time I was convinced I needed to journal, and by the third I knew I needed to start jotting it down tonight.
There was this time – long, long ago. It was a time in the growing years of my sons when they were going to church every Sunday, going through the motions because they knew it was expected of them, but they really didn’t have a clue what they believed or why they were supposed to believe it. They knew what they had been “taught,” but they weren’t convinced any of it really had any significance or truth to it. But there were people in their lives, one in particular, who they both watched closely. And it doesn’t really matter WHO it was. It just mattered that this person’s speech, behavior, how they treated others, how they talked about others, and how they lived – stood out to them. It stood out to them loudly. It stood out so loudly, in fact, that neither one of them could reconcile how this individual professed one thing on Sundays, and then Monday through Saturday had a completely different behavior, speech, way of talking to people, and talking about people, and some of the words that callously rolled off their tongue were so polar opposite Sunday’s speech and behavior that, my sons both broke my heart one night and told me they were atheists.
They were both shocked when I said I understood. But I did.
After an evening of being consoled and encouraged by my friend Jean, and making arrangements to send my sons to a church that had a high school youth group, I stayed up very late that night and wrote out my life story to Rory and Ian in great detail. It was only a matter of weeks before they were no longer atheists, and about six months before they both became followers of Christ (Christians). But the very fact that the behavior and speech of one person who claimed to be a Christian, could be the one they pointed to as the reason they did not believe there could possibly be a God, has always kept my attention. It blew my mind that one person could have that. much. influence. Wow.
Have I ever said or done anything that would not reflect Christ? I’m certain I have. So when I’m tempted now to jump into a heated political conversation on social media, I have to remind myself of (see paragraph #1 again), and usually I’ll comment with something like… “So, what’s everyone having for dinner tonight?” or, “Are you all discussing what you’re buying me for Christmas this year?” Say it with me…. Laughter is the best medicine. Couldn’t we all use a little laughter right now? I mean, come on. Hello000. It’s election season.
The truth is – I’m reminded of paragraph #1 just about every time I scroll on any avenue of social media, which I confess is far too often lately. Friends – it’s getting ugly out here, and I can’t help but filter all of these political posts written by Christians through the lens of someone who, like my sons many years ago, just might be questioning what they believe, or trying to figure out what to believe…. And where are we pointing them?
Don’t worry – I’ll be off my soapbox in just a minute, but I just wanted to throw this out there…
Christians – This ain’t our home. We’re simply passing through. And those co-workers, neighbors, old friends, friends of friends, and all the thousands of people who read our social media posts get pointed in one of two (not 3, not 4, not 5 – just ONE of TWO) directions every time we open our mouths, and every time we post a response and hit “send.”
Are you calling Kamala “stupid?” Donald Trump “orange?” Certain voters “retarded?” (and simultaneously posting Scripture???) It’s NO WONDER some people want nothing to do with God! (Can we do a little self reflection here?)
“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” Proverbs 4:24-25
If you don’t think we will answer for our callous, hurtful, belittling, condescending, racist, unthoughtful, mean words whether they roll off our tongues or off of our fingertips… you’re wrong. We will definitely answer for them.
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37
If your political views are more important to you than the eternity of someone who might not agree with you, I beg you to rethink your views, and dare I say… repent?
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
There is nothing more important than pointing others to Christ, and nothing more crucial than making sure our speech and our behavior reflect Him, and as followers of Christ, we need to keep reminding one another as election day approaches. So please – feel free to remind ME!
It doesn’t matter who you are. You are an influence to everyone around you, just like that one person was to my sons. And none of us want to be the reason someone turns their back on God, so please… re-read your comments and filter them through the lens of someone you want to point toward Christ.
Wouldn’t you rather that person someday say YOU reminded them of JESUS? Well, You can’t do that if you’re hiding behind your laptop calling Kamala Harris “giggly” or Donald Trump “orange” on social media. Just saying.
Let’s all watch our tongues AND our fingertips.
Off my soapbox now. G’night.
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