We are living in challenging times. There are many things that demand our attention. Recent events have raised issues from racial profiling, to Covid-19, to politics, just to name a few. All these subjects inspire strong and differing opinions. How is a Christian supposed to respond?
With lockdown restrictions for nearly three months, we have had much more time to spend on various social media outlets. No matter how or where you spend your time, you are likely to see, hear, or read things that stir up strong emotions within you. The tendency is to respond to these emotions.
This is where the challenge begins. Several times over the last few months, I have been tempted to like or share or comment on a recent post. I have even gone so far as to type up my comment of several paragraphs only to pause… contemplate what I had written, and then delete what I just spent several minutes typing.
Why?
Because I realize I do not represent only myself when I post. When I post something, I represent my family, my church, and most importantly I represent Christ. Many of my friends that I want to reach with the gospel would be offended if I posted my post. Not all my friends share my opinions on Covid-19 or have the same view of politics that I have. If I post my opinion on matters that Scripture doesn’t give clear direction, I risk offending others and offending God.
Paul was writing to the Jewish Christians in the Roman church and warned them, Romans 2:1 (CSB) “Therefore, every one of you, who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things.”
The Jews in the church had been too proud of their adherence to the law. Their zeal to know and live by the Law of Moses had brought them to a place of self-righteous pride. Paul called them out on their hypocrisy, Romans 2:23–24 (CSB) “You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 For, as it is written: The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
Whoa?!? When we post an invite to worship followed by a criticism of our governor or our president, could we be guilty of reflecting poorly on God to our friends who do not know Jesus? Is our opinion about the Covid-19 response so important that we should risk offending our coworker who does not know the Lord? Does the post we share reflect the love of Christ or the hate of man?
As you consider your next social media post, I challenge you to prayerfully consider: does this honor Christ or shame Him? Let us spread His love.
Dear God, Psalm 19:14 (CSB) “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart (and the posts on my social media) be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Join us for worship on Campus or through live streaming on Sunday Morning, May 31st at 10 AM.
Food Cards Needed for NKU International Students
We have 50 international students stranded at NKU (primarily from African nations). There is a need to collect gift cards FOR THESE RESTAURANTS SPECIFICALLY (walking distance to where they are housed with no transportation) to help feed these students: Chipotle, Canes, Chick Fil-A, Ichiban, Subway, Wendy’s, and Meijer. They were supplementing their income to cover food costs at NKU and are now unemployed.
Currently, we no longer need food for the Piner Families. If we receive any more requests, we will restart this program.
VBS on the Road
We are looking for volunteers to lead and/or host 2-hour day camps in subdivisions around our area during the month of July. If you are interested in teaching or hosting, please contact Bro. Mark. mark@pinerbaptist.org
Women’s Bible Study
“Discerning the Voice of God,” Bible Study will meet on Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:00 p.m., beginning Tuesday, June 2. Zoom channel to be announced. Call Amy in the office to sign up to make sure you get a book.