Over the last month or so I have, unfortunately, found myself stuck in bed with the flu, strep throat and who knows what else. I hate being sick. There is nothing worse than laying around not really feeling able to do anything productive. So what is a guy to do? Check on Social Media Right?!......Well Anyway.
I have found myself grieved more and more over something that has bothered me for a long time. Why is it that for so many Christians, the "Christian" part seems to be irrelevant when it comes to social media? Now before everyone decides they want to mob my house and kill the judgmental preacher, just hear me out. I'm not writing this out of judgment, but out of a real sense of sadness and brokenness. I am truly grieved about what I'm about to say in the next couple of blogs.
I've never been one to automatically not be friends on facebook, twitter or whatever with people who aren't Christians like some feel the need to do. I like dialogue. I'm not afraid of the "arena of ideas." I'm not shaken that someone who doesn't believe in God would say things or post things that reflect their unbelief. I've never even unfriended someone because they would use language I don't like or post things that I don't care for. If I don't like it I can just scroll right on by. Some may ask why I would do that. Truthfully, I feel like, if I am going to see what others post, then they are going to see what I post as well. If I truly believe in what I'm saying and posting, then maybe, just maybe, I can have a positive affect on someone else's life for Christ. I see social media as an outlet FOR my faith, not an outlet FROM my faith.
I would also like to say, I'm not trying to say that everything we post has to be a scripture or a deep quote that we googled 30 seconds before we posted it. I've been known to post about the stuff that isn't necessarily theologically earthshaking. I love telling the world that the Oregon Ducks just scored another touchdown. As if they didn't already know by the other 500 people that posted the same thing. I love to share about the great batch of snickerdoodles that my wife just made or the cool new pair of shoes I just got. Thats part of the social media fun. Being Social.
What bothers me though is how little it seems that so many folks that I know to be Christian. Folks from baptist churches, pentecostal churches, catholic churches, methodist, episcopal, presbyterian.......you get the point, post so much stuff that is not only borderline, but downright contrary to what is taught in scripture. I love the church! I love Christians, but come on people it's time we get it together!
And so, I have a few questions I'd like to ask. This will be way too long for one post, so I'm going to take a couple of blogs and just ask some questions for our consideration. I pray that The Holy Spirit will shine a light on us and draw us all closer to The Father.
DISCLAIMER: PASTOR TOM IS ABOUT TO GET HIMSELF IN TROUBLE. IF YOU'RE AN EASILY OFFENDED CHRISTIAN OR IF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO YOUR LIFE PLEASE BE FOREWARNED.
1. Why do so many Christian young ladies find it so compelling to post pictures that are so sexualized? I will not take the time to describe, I think most know what I mean. (Before you ladies kill me, just wait, I'll get to the men in a moment) If I'm not mistaken, the scripture teaches that the young ladies need to be modest in their dress. This doesn't mean you have to wear a body length burlap sack either. Please hear me. You don't have to buy into the myth that style is determined by how little material is involved. Our culture has sold the lie that unless your shirts are cut low and your skirts are cut high that you cannot be "in style." This is garbage! All of you young ladies need to know that your beauty is from within because God created you beautiful. This is not religious rhetoric, it is Biblical truth. Beauty is not determined by how much skin you can show. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Many of the comments about how "beautiful" or "amazing" you look are not innocent observations. They are reactions to how much you are showing. I wish this was not true, but I've been in the ministry too long to know better. This is not what your beauty is about!
As I type this, I can hear some of the elder ladies in the church saying Amen preacher, preach it! To the Elder ladies of the church whom I love and respect with all of my heart, WHERE ARE YOU? Scripture teaches that the elder ladies of the church are to take the younger ladies of the church and teach them how to be good wives and mothers. The mandate continues that the young ladies are to be taught how to be "discreet, chaste and good." It's easy for all of us to point a finger and say, "why is it like this?" We cannot point a finger unless we are willing to take up the challenge to mentor and guide ourselves. "It's hard" is a refrain often heard. However, scripture didn't say do it if it's easy. Scripture says just do it.
To all of you young ladies, you are worth more than your body. PLEASE don't sell yourself short.
2. Why do so many Christian men take so much interest in the sexualized pictures being posted by the Christian woman? I've counseled and sat in men's studies with a lot of guys over 20 plus years of ministry. I've been to many a men's conference and men's retreat and in all of that I've learned one thing. Men battle with lust. It is not uncommon for me to see one of the aforementioned pictures a young lady posts followed by a string of comments from the men, as earlier stated, on how "beautiful" or "amazing" they look. Some of you ladies may say, "what's wrong with that?" I'll tell you. I have had many conversations over the years with men who say how difficult it is for them to not think inappropriately when they see a picture or see a lady dressed or looking provocatively. This is not just on social media but at church. What a shame that this is happening in the midst of a time that is supposed to be set aside for worshipping The Almighty God. As it relates to social media, on many occasions, the same guys who are commenting are the same guys talking to me. Does that mean all guys and all comments? Absolutely not! Some are absolutely innocent comments on nice pictures, but i've got to speak the truth when it's not.
Men, it is not ok to shift the blame and say "it's their fault." Lust is your problem. We have to understand something very important. The ladies in our churches are the daughters of The Living God. The way that we think about and treat them is of the utmost importance to their Father. I will say, as the father of a teenage daughter, if a young man steps out of line with her, I will have no issue responding to that young man. She is to be treated with the utmost respect, honor and protection at all times. How much more do you suppose Father God expects regarding his daughters?
To the elder men of the church. I say to you as I said to the elder ladies. WHERE ARE YOU? As much as the elder ladies are to mentor the young ladies, we older men are charged to mentor the younger men. Scripture says to us, "Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." I want to note this is not an exhortation to the pastors, leaders, sunday school teachers, youth leaders or children's church teachers. It is an exhortation to the elder men of the church.
We live in a culture that is increasingly sexualized in every area. We know this is true, and we are quick to point the finger at the world and tell them they need to get it together. Maybe we should start in the church.
I want to comment on a few more things, but for now, Church, let's think and pray on this one
To Be Continued...................
No comments:
Post a Comment