I once worked with a guy who loved to say, “Kill your TV”. The irony is that we worked in television news. Nonetheless, he theorized that the “idiot box” dumbed us down, brainwashed and isolated us. Today, he’d say that about the internet.
If you spend any time at all online, you’ve seen it: on social media, in podcasts, even in news stories. The posts do enough to rattle the reader, but read the comments underneath, and it’s a whole new level of ugliness.
The other day, I posted some silly photos of me meeting a professional athlete I loved watching play. While most people posted nice comments, several couldn’t help but share rather opposing and offensive opinions about both the player and me.
Apparently, these people didn’t learn the same life lessons my mother taught her daughters: “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” The online rule often seems the opposite: “You CAN say ANYTHING at all to ANYONE at all” on what I like to call “Anti-Social Media”.
Never engage online outrage. You will only end up losing your peace. This isn’t another “us against them” issue; the Bible tells us something far more sinister is at work.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT)
We battle each other, but the impulse comes from the devil. He prowls the earth like a lion, looking for someone to devour (John 5:8). He comes to steal, kill, and destroy(John 10:10). He uses hate and lies to do it.
The devil separated Adam and Eve from God by telling them they could do what they wanted and be like God. He tells us the same lie. Remember, wanting to be like God got Lucifer cast out of Heaven. He wants to make sure none of us get there.
We have to choose between focusing on God’s truth or believing the devil’s lies. Lies and hate destroy. Love and Truth strengthen. We know that love conquers all. Since God is love, He equips us to win the battle.
Gladiators never entered the coliseum without full-body armor. Quarterbacks never take the field without a helmet, full pads, and even a flak jacket for protection. God gives us the same full-body protection to win the battles we face.
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-18)
God’s armor protects us from the enemy, head to toe, with truth, peace, faith, and saving grace.
When we face internet bullies or a world trying to steal our joy, we don’t have to get rid of the internet or TV. If you get online, you need to get in The Word. When we fill our minds with His truth, we can win the battle for our hearts.
Think about it…..
- Maybe you don’t believe our fight is against dark forces. Ask yourself then, if God’s very spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), whose spirit is the opposite?
The Bible tells us that quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, and envy (Galatians 5:20-21) come from the evil one.
2. Instead of fighting one another, remember this:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32-32)
If a perfect God can forgive an imperfect people, how can we not do the same for each other? Ask God to help you. You cannot do it apart from Him. Armor up!
IT'S A HARnDen LIFE... 