Let’s talk about controversial things. Mmmm-k?
I don’t usually speak out online about controversial things because you can’t hear tone or see facial expressions and things can be misinterpreted. Too often online controversial conversations end as heated discussions that leave relational battle scars. (And since I’m a recovering people-pleaser, that makes me twitch.)
But as I observe the online world – Ahem. Facebook, dear Facebook. – I wanted to share three things that I try to remember before engaging in controversial conversations. Here’s to our online endeavors…
We vs. they verbiage breeds pride
We all do it. We have a “stance” about something and someone else doesn’t agree, so we draw harsh lines in the dirt. We vs. they. And then we start pointing and shouting and judging and demanding. I get it. We’re passionate about stuff. We believe with everything in us that we’re right and they’re wrong.
But regardless of what’s ultimately true, regardless, “we vs. they” verbiage breeds pride. It seems the more accurate verbiage for us as humans is us vs. HIM. Mere humans in relation to an almighty, holy, worthy, awesome, good God.
Remember that story in Joshua 5 when the angel approaches Joshua and Joshua asks, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” We vs. they. And the angel responds, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” I love this because God didn’t pick human sides. He’s on His own side. His glory’s side. His love’s side. The question is, are we?
Jesus came and walked this earth to usher in freedom and healing. He came to lead us into fulness of joy. He came to set captives free. And when His path crossed someone who was caught up in sin and idolatry, He didn’t speak condemnation. (The world already stands condemned.) He spoke life and love. He said, “Come, follow Me. I’m the life you crave.”
I want that to be my demeanor. I fail a lot, but instead of shouting condemnation – that already lays heavy on this world – I want to be ever-increasing in my declarations of His goodness.
That said, there was one thing Jesus hated — despised. He despised hypocrisy. He hated when someone said they loved God with their lips while their heart was full of condemnation and pride. He hated it. And He spoke boldly to the people of God against this false understanding and representation of holiness.
Everything is grace. Everything we know about God. Everything we are because of Jesus. Everything we overcome. Everything. So, fellow Jesus-follower, let’s remember from where we came and the grace that covers us. Not “we vs. they” but rather “us before HIM.”
God’s glory is the point (not being right).
We have to remember the purpose of everything that we as Christ-followers do and say and think. This is me preaching to myself. The point is HIS glory. HIS glory. Not ours.
The point is not to be right or point fingers or shout louder. When our eyes slip off of God’s glory, we as humans can all-too-quickly turn into those who Jesus despised — pointy, proud hypocrites. And the watching world, who is in desperate need of hope and peace and forgiveness and love, will miss seeing Jesus because we’re standing in His way shouting condemnation.
Instead of hatred spewing from our lips, the state of our culture should so break our hearts that we can’t help but tenderly and lovingly pray for and be poured out for those who haven’t yet experienced life in Christ.
Our ultimate hope is God, not policy or politics.
I have dear friends who serve our nation politically. And I pray for them with high hopes that they will play a part in turning our country towards the Lord when it comes to the laws of the land. (Because God’s ways really are best. I mean, He made us so He knows what’s best for us.)
I’m thankful for those God calls to politically lead our nation. And yes, it’s good and important that we as Christians be politically involved – even though my political knowledge is infantile.
However, our ultimate hope cannot rest in the laws of this land. God has been very clear in His Word that He alone rules. He places people in positions of power to perform His good purposes. (There were a lot of “p” words in that last sentence.) He sits secure on His throne, and no one can do anything that He in His sovereignty hasn’t allowed. He is our ruler. He is our judge. And His job is not up for grabs, ever.
Yes, it would be amazingly glorious if this nation stayed true – not externally but individuals internally – to the things God says. But this world is not our home. It just isn’t. Until Jesus comes back, wars and hatred and brokenness will be a part of our existence.
Our ultimate hope can’t be found in created things – or created laws. Our ultimate hope is in the good and faithful character of our Maker. May we find our footing in Him.
The next time we’re tempted to engage in controversial conversations online, maybe we could just pause and think before we start type-blasting our stance. Because souls are at hand. Hearts and destinies are on the line. People that Jesus died for stand before us. And all of us are in process.
Fill me, Lord…
What would you add to this list of things for Christ-followers to remember when discussing controversial topics?
