Issue 774 – Once Again – June 13, 2022
Good morning
We live in an increasingly divided world. We have become increasingly tribalized for a wide range of sociological, philosophical and political reasons.
We are divided by skin colour, economics, worldview, political affiliation, nationality, and more. The splits are by and large not amicable. Just post a social media post on almost any target and watch what happens.
It can be a statement of well-researched truth, a joke or simply a matter of personal opinion. The trolls will come out from under the bridges with gnashing teeth and attack. The self-appointed experts will jump in and tell you why your position (whatever it is) is wrong. Attacks quickly become ad hominem (against the person, not the issue). People you thought you knew very well suddenly unfriend you or verbally attack you with their comments.
Social media can be great in that it offers everyone a voice. Social media can be destructive in that everyone has a voice. We have tossed authority and expertise out the window and created a society of instant “experts” who yesterday didn’t know an issue existed and consider themselves world-class authorities today. Woe betide the one who questions them or disagrees with them.
News that once would take months to become known is now visible within seconds and forgotten within minutes. Truth is determined by what one brief video of one aspect of an event becomes the whole story. By the time the entire truth comes out, we have seen violent backlashes, protests and wanton destruction. With no accountability, the mobs simply move on to the next target.
People make a living as “social influencers” on various social media platforms. People hang on to “their” influencer’s every word and buy the products that their influencer uses. They have no particular skills or expertise in any area other than perhaps being attractive and a flair for self-promotion.
What has happened?
The problem is nothing new; people have rejected God and His Word. It’s the same sin as Adam and Eve; people want to be like God. They want to make their own rules, be “masters” of their own destiny and live a life free of any consequences. Each has their own version of utopia with them at the helm.
I am reminded of some words that repeatedly occur in the book of Judges.
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 17:6
The world ignores the true King and tries to do what it wants. It blindly continues rebelling, trying to convince itself that its sin has no consequences.
How do we change things? We start by letting Jesus change us through the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word. We will not change society or save anyone under our own power and strength.
We are called to be lights in a dark and hurting world, and that includes our social media platforms.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:8
It can be difficult, at times, not to reply in kind when the trolls come out to play. They are masters of hitting people’s hot buttons. We need to be careful and wise and avoid playing their game.
Until next time, may we all remember that there is a king and rest in His sovereignty. May we be quick to offer grace and to forgive.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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