Dear Christian-We Must Talk

“A Christian is a walking sermon. They preach far more than a minister does, for they preach all week long.” J.C. Ryle

“This is one of the most vile people I have ever seen in a leadership position.” “Ugh, she can’t even utter a complete sentence let alone lead a nation.. and don’t get me started on her reputation.” “I can’t wait to hear what the podcast has to say about his widow today, she is so evil.” These words have come from my mouth, dear Christian friends and it was wrong. One particular evening I was indulging in a podcast that I usually enjoyed, conjecture was all over the place, slander was the name of the game, and salacious gossip was the cherry on top. After that, I switched over to social media to do some scrolling. I saw posts from fellow Christian believers filled with hatred, vile words and even wishing harm on those who did not align with their views. “If you voted for this person, you are a piece of human excrement and I hope you are cursed.” Between consuming a diet of garbage podcasts and awful social media posts, I felt like my soul and spirit were covered in filth. Something had to change. 

The hatred was invading my dreams

That evening as I was falling asleep, I kept playing the words uttered over and over in my mind. I knew that God was trying to get my attention, after all, I know the Scripture. I was faithful in my memorization since childhood, I pushed those thoughts aside and tried to get some sleep. As the dreams crept in, I heard the words, “Dear Christian, we need to talk.” The words that had filled my mind morphed into sharp swords that pierced those precious in the Lord’s sight. There was blood, tears, rage and every kind of action that did not reflect God’s goodness. The battle was spiritual, and the dark forces were winning. It was at that moment I knew that God was telling me to clean up my words, my viewing, and my thoughts. He was saying, “Dear Christian, start acting like one!” 

Where do we start?

I’m sure that you’ve heard it uttered time and time again, “Christians shouldn’t talk about politics!” That is pretty ridiculous if you take a moment and think about it.  I Timothy tells us: The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. Now, before you think, “You might be taking this Scripture out of context! Think of the times they were living in!” First, God’s Word is Eternal and just as relevant today as it was during Timothy’s time. Also, they were living in a pretty brutal time, you know, feeding Christians to lions and such. 

We must pray

Dear Christian- we must pray for our leaders, even if we do not like them. Remember the words of Jesus: “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

Dear Christian-be in the world but not of it

I’ve heard more hatred and vitriol for President Trump from Bible believing Christians than non-believers. One particular Sunday a little old lady came up to me to talk about some music I played on the piano. She then steered the conversation to politics. When she said: “I hate Donald Trump and I wish the assassin hadn’t missed! That’s my prayer!” My mouth actually dropped open. In my utter disbelief I blurted out, “That’s not my Jesus!” Dear Ones, we must look to Jesus’ Words and bring them into practice in our lives. As Jesus said, it’s easy to love what we like in our echo chamber. The challenge as the believer is to pray for those who are unlovable to us. 

Podcasts and hateful feelings are a trap!

There have been several very popular podcasts that have been going after the widow of Charlie Kirk. To be honest, I never really listened to him before his passing. It was shocking the manner in which he lost his life so brutally. In the aftermath of his death, something did occur that was positive. Many started focusing on Jesus and turning their lives towards Him. I read the issues that folks had with his funeral, some felt it was more about Charlie than God. However, one can’t deny that in the wake of such a tragedy, people were turning their eyes towards God’s peace. How like the enemy to launch an attack on everything about this man, including his widow. The Bible has some very pointed things to say about the treatment of widows. Those going after them should really consider their actions to be sure.  As the “only asking questions” trope soldiered on, the accusations became more ugly and the need to sensationalize the story was born. The focus left Jesus and went untoward. Dear Christian-step away from the podcast! Take into account the words of Paul in Ephesians 4.

• Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
• Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
•  Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

Dear Christian-Look inward with the intent to see outward

Social media and podcasts have caused us to lose our humanity. Truth has been replaced with self-worship, one-upmanship and a cultivated social media perception of self (I am perfect just as I am, no need for improvement). Gone are the days of introspection with the intent of dwelling on the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The days of “My Truth” are here both with the believer and unbeliever. As the world continues to revel in their truth, let us seek God’s Wisdom through His Word, our source of Truth. Let us once again consider the words of Paul to the church at Philippi:

• Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
•  Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
• Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Dear Christian- this was a hard lesson to learn

As believers we are not to walk through the world with rose colored glasses denying that the enemy is at work with his aim to steal, kill and destroy. Rather, we are to speak the truth with God’s love, seasoned with salt. In no place does the Scripture tell us to be hateful and wish ill upon God’s creation. It’s time to step up, dear Christian and live in God’s Word, bringing it into practice each and every day. When we take part in the world’s hatred, the enemy and his plans win. Take those issues that cause you anger and do not sin, rather bring it to God and ask for His help and attitude in your walk. After all if you think about it, fear sells but faith in Christ? It is costly. We crucify our base feelings for the cause of Christ. It is my sincere hope and prayer that this hard lesson will minister to you all dear ones. Let us step away from the podcast and social media, touch some grass and bask in God’s love. Selah