Do I Make Myself Clear?
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
TWITTER, FACEBOOK and a vast network of social media outlets provide places for people to share, talk about, explain, give argument, or vent their personal opinions, feelings, and beliefs. Political, social, and religious views can be cause for some to spew sharp criticisms and to levy ugly attacks when in disagreement with others' views. The tit for tat becomes unpleasant when opposite opinions are discounted and rebuked as absurd, using harsh, condemning, and foul language. Hateful. Parameters would help. Free expression needs civility and respectful exchange. Should the spiritual person defend their faith? Scripture defends itself quite adequately. It states truth explicitly, forthrightly, without any unjust attack. Christians are to answer the reason for the hope that is within them. Christ Himself acknowledged who He was as in stated factual information. He let His words and actions speak for themselves. His parables, expressions, and miracles were offered to make people think, to help them see the big picture, to answer spiritual questions, to point them to God, and to draw their attention to truth. Christ was direct. His words penetrated beneath layers of confusion and wrong-minded thinking. Today, the expressions of faith on social media should be likewise: truth-filled, gospel-filled, love-filled, words of life. Defend the faith on social media, if you will. But do it God's way. When you do, be prepared to take some heat. Represent Christ in the way He represented Himself, with truth, love, and honest care and compassion for all who would listen.
Father God, how we need You in times like these. Help us to portray You as You would want us to. May our words speak life to those who need You. Amen
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