The concept of ‘arguing’ and ‘insult slinging’ is nothing new (I have an older brother… trust me I know). But I think we can agree that with the creation and subsequent rise of social media over the years, the sheer volume of ‘virtual-verbal arguments’ and ‘internet insult slinging’ that we witness on a daily basis (or perhaps even engage in a little ourselves) has grown exponentially out of control!
Texts, emails, posts, comments, replies, likes, dislikes, tweets, hashtags… the avenues currently available to us and to the rest of the world to be able to express opinions, positive or negative, to have a voice, to be heard, and to RETALIATE… is staggering. Just because someone disagrees with us over something big or small or attacks us either in person or over social media, doesn’t mean we NEED to respond. As believers, we cannot lose sight of who we REPRESENT in our time here on earth! We need to learn to seize each and every opportunity that we are presented with to REPRESENT our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom! The Bible is very clear on what our code of conduct should be! (Re-read the above scripture . . . go ahead, I’ll wait . . .)
Choose to REPRESENT God today by how you PRESENT yourself to the world through interactions. Don’t waste time answering, responding, defending, or one-upping every “virtual-verbal jab” that comes your way. Hit back in a way that your haters will never see coming, by ignoring them! Retaliate by turning the other cheek, not bothering to retaliate at all! Sucker punch your critics with love, by REPRESENTING Jesus and saying what He said while He walked on the earth: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Choose to REPRESENT God today by how you PRESENT yourself to the world through interactions.
Sacrifice the short term satisfaction you may feel from getting in the last word and winning a verbal exchange, in order to showcase the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for each and every one of us. Make God’s Word the first and last Word in your interactions today!
Fight the good fight of faith!
Jamie
