The current world is an array of technology, devices, social media, and the twisted idea of the meaning of human existence—a time when people share their voices on diverse social networking platforms and rarely speak.
The networks are said to be designed to be a melting pot of universal showmanship, and yet, the division among people is more prominent than ever before. After all, we see a social distortion of human empathy with very little mortal interaction and platforms where hate and hardship, intolerance, insult, and backbiting are more prevalent.
So, in a world filled with offense and contempt, how do we respond to schoolyard bullying?
Paul says in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but evil with good.”
Christians, especially, are faced with the most criticism. We meet the current time Pharisees and doctrine dividers while the Sadducees throw shade. Simultaneously nonbelievers speak with their atheism and sarcasm, and we bob and weave their attacks around every corner.
Here are the simple facts about why the godliest are the most hated, the sound-minded are called evil, and social media celebrities promoting sin are celebrated like a keg of beer at a frat party.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)
But understand that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but, but denying its power—Avoid such people.
They are unholy, proud, heartless heathens and often whoremongers and the light of Christ angers the demons. A good majority detests Jesus Christ in and out of Christian circles. The Bible says not everyone who calls themselves Christian is a Christ follower.
Matthew 7:23 (NIV)
Jesus said, “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Confirming the truth, I tell. Therefore how can we, as Christ’s followers, still make a significant difference in a world that is falling away from God? Well, it’s essential to understand that we are a spiritual body dealing with Spiritual things. The trolls on social media have a purpose and plan, so with Christ’s righteousness, we can thwart their goals by being tactical and accountable.
Social media trolls are out to ring your bell—to cause a disturbance in your spirit and surroundings. Therefore the best response is not to respond emotionally and in a way that causes a loud vibration that alters the spirit world and your personal space.
Remember, Ephesians 6:12 tells us this realm feeds off negative energy from the forces that be.
Practicing Christ’s spiritual truth and sharing the fruit of the Spirit, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control knocks them off their feet—Starve them!
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
At the same time, we learn to be accountable to Christ when we fear God before desiring to one-up another man or woman. Our behavior simultaneously teaches other people even when they push back with sarcasm. It’s easy to insult, but it takes strength to respond honorably.
Question yourself before you speak, and check yourself. Ask yourself, “does my heart match my words, and am I choosing these words because they are authentic, or am I trying to act Holy when I am just as bad in secret.”
There is more power between your heart and mouth when they agree in Christ’s righteousness, and after all, words spoken without pure backing have little ability to persuade anyone to seek it themselves.
Social media is a powerful tool when you know how to use it for God’s Kingdom and not only to benefit the ego by having endless followers.
It’s better to be genuine with little than not accurate with many. Social media is indeed a smokescreen for a more sinister plan by evil people, but the willingness to speak the truth from a gentle heart, even when the words are difficult to hear, helps people. You never know who is watching and saying nothing.
Never think that being blacklisted
naturally, for Christ’s sake, means that you are the odd man in God’s kingdom. Integrity and virtue, as seen by the worldly, are cursed for Christ’s righteousness. The Bible says walking obediently ends in glory.
Philippians 2:3
All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Indeed, John 1:6 says,
“And this is love: we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, he commands that you walk in love.”
This an excellent example of humility and the MO of the called and chosen, called by God by name. Look at a caterpillar; that spends most of its life dragging itself along the ground, minding its own business and staying quiet, yet living its life honorably in how it was created.
The caterpillar inches along the pathway, trying not to get stepped on, yet, along the lonely pilgrimage, it does what it’s supposed to lead to a significantly honorable end—the little inchworm that people lifted to pet periodically and then left back down ends the most graceful butterfly.
Woah, God is speaking. Let us be a lesson, in how to treat people. You never know who is transitioning according to God’s timing.
Blessings,
Sister Christine
C. Brejcha ©️