Now, let me just say that as a Christ-follower there are certain things that I hate, because they are evil. Let me also say that I can be very passionate about my beliefs, my personal perspective of issues, etc... In fact I have strong opinions on current hot topics; such as gay marriage, gun rights, government "scandals" and the media's influence on our society. I even have a strong opinion on the USGA's ruling on the use of anchored putting in golf. (However, unless you engage me in a conversation on these topics you probably won't know my thoughts.)
But back to the reason for my frustration! And I am going to get a bit passionate about something that I have noticed as a growing trend lately among those who call themselves Christ-followers...
The use of social media to spew hatred toward those that think, act, or believe differently. We can say whatever we want; because its America and we have the right to free speech even if it's offensive. (Please know, I am thankful for this freedom, as I am using it right now to convey my heartfelt thoughts.) On social media sites we don't have to filter our words because we can simply block people or de-friend them. (By the way, how is that a friendship?!) We use social media as a tool to point out the sin of others, while forging a persona of one who never sins. This is perpetuating a lie. (I will be the first to admit to you that I get it wrong alot. I fail miserably every day, but by the grace of God I am working on my issues. I am not perfect, in fact I struggle greatly with keeping my opinions in perspective.)
I am all for healthy dialogue and discussion. I have to admit that I occasionally enjoy a good debate. But even then there are parameters that have already been set by God by which we should (or should not) speak. Not only that, He has gone one step further by making it clear that our words are a by-product of our hearts.
Matthew 12:34-37 You nest of poisonous snakes! How can you who are evil say anything good? Your mouths say everything that is in your hearts. A good man says good things. These come from the good that is put away inside him. An evil man says evil things. These come from the evil that is put away inside him. But here is what I tell you. On judgment day, people will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. By your words you will be found guilty or not guilty
So when we declare hatred and intolerance toward those that are far from God, how do we reconcile that to a heart that desires what God desires? Jesus said clearly that He came "to seek and to save those that were lost." (Luke 19:10) Through His ministry He made it clear that sins should be confronted and addressed, but also forgiven. His heart desires that no one be lost but that all people be reconciled to the Father (2 Peter 3:9-my paraphrase). So when we speak words of hatred because of a personal difference, I struggle to understand how this represents Jesus' heart for those people. Do we desire just to make a point or do we care about the souls of others?
Our words have great power, the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). In James chapter 3, he speaks about the power of the tongue to cause destruction. Do we truly grasp the power of our words? On those who don't yet know Christ? On those we say are our brothers and sisters? On ourselves? Let's truly count the cost!
Instead of spewing hatred (under the guise of just simply expressing our opinions), what if we used words that pointed people to Love=Jesus? I don't think God wants us to be completely silent on controversial issues, but God is big enough to handle all of those issues and more. He has the power to change a person's heart and bring them to repentance. A person's heart is changed by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within them, but our words have the power to point them toward that power or drive them away from it-life or death.
So are we willing to allow the Holy Spirit to convict us and lead us to repentance for our hardness of heart? Because bottom line that's what it is, a hard heart. And we will be held accountable for the words we say, every careless word. So how do we practically filter those thoughts and words that can so easily come pouring out?
My suggestion is a God-given filter...
Philippians 4:8-9 Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Do what you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.If we fill our hearts with good things, with things that are true, right, pure, etc... then we will DO. I believe that this includes what we say. If you have strong opinions on ANYTHING (which we all have one or two) and you are considering saying something, filter it through Philippians 4:8. Does it really fit? Does it convey that you are a follower of Christ? Speak Truth, but do it in Love!
And if all else fails, follow the rule..."if you can't say anything nice, do not say anything at all."
