Last week I wrote about a visit to my dad. This week I was going to write about a visit to my kids and talk about how I have become the peanut butter in a multi-generational sandwich. Of course, I am crunchy PB because I give everyone something to chew on. Without a doubt, Mrs. Sweetie is the jelly because … well, she’s the sweet part.
However, my topic for the day changed this morning. I think I was on my second cup of coffee, watching and listening to the wonderful rain shower when I opened the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture. Jim Denison’s Cultural Commentary for April 13 is entitled, “Why you need witness protection.” Click on that title to read it in its entirety.
Here’ the portion that got my “ponderer” going today:
Some 58 percent of America’s adults use Facebook; 47 percent say Facebook has the greatest impact on their purchasing behavior; 45 percent of Facebook’s users check their account several times a day. Nearly half of all employers use social networking sites to research job candidates. What we post, and how long we spend on social media, is now vital to our employability.
And to our witness for Christ. Our Facebook posts and tweets are read by people whose faith background we may not know. More than 1.2 billion people use Facebook every month—if they are representative of the global population, only a third of them are Christians. Offhand comments can be hurtful to our relationships and even damaging to our witness.
For instance, 2012 election day exit polls indicated that 70 percent of those who had no religious affiliation voted Democrat. Studies show that the more frequently people attend worship, the more likely they are to vote Republican. My point is not to comment on partisan politics—some of the strongest Christians I know are committed Democrats. Rather, it is to note the statistical fact that Christians who use social media to rant against Democrats or President Obama might estrange non-believers.
I happen to think that my views, whether they be political, theological, or societal are the best ones. My amazing skills of deduction would lead me to the conclusion that most people who read this would agree … not that mine are the best, but that yours are the best. After all, if there is a better solution than yours, why would you NOT embrace it.
But, here’s the kicker: the overwhelming evidence suggests that when we choose to support our views by ranting against the views of others, rather than graciously demonstrating the superiority of our own, we actually undermine our cause.
My life matters to God. Your life matters to God, even if you don’t agree with me and even if you don’t agree with Him yet. He hasn’t given up on your agreement with Him.
Your life matters to God, even if you don’t agree with me OR Him. Click To Tweet
I’m trying hard not to get in His way.
Question: What kinds of things can we do to be sure that our actions do not undermine our intentions?
Leave a comment. I’d love to hear your perspective.
