Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
We live in a divided world as well as a divided nation. The message that Christ gave us rings out louder today than perhaps any other time in history.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
I can understand unbelievers tearing one another apart, but when it comes to God’s people I have to admit that it saddens me to see it, because I see that Satan is winning the battle. He (Satan) is the accuser, he is the murderer, the liar, the one who spills out of his filthy mouth the garbage that we so often read about.
I am not a pacifist nor am I brought into foolish naivety, nor am I making light of sin, but when I see how opinions are being expressed on Facebook and the arguments that proceed I cannot help but wonder how this is extending the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Our positions as believers here on earth should be one of intercession and through this powerful weapon that God has given we begin to bring about peace. Our battle or struggle is not with one another, but “against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
In this world, the people that will change society and affect history are ones who just don’t rage against injustice, but they take responsibility for what is wrong and work for change.
Intercession is one way of taking responsibility. Instead of fighting among ourselves we will fight the real enemy – the accuser of the brethren – Satan.
James gave us very good advice when he said: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-21
Somebody sent me an article about 7 questions that we can ask ourselves before we post on Social Media about politics or any other issues that we might feel passionate about. Do not get me wrong, there are times when we need to speak (or write) out, but when we do we ought to keep these 7 things in mind.
- Do I have the correct facts? Proverbs 18:2 “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” We need to hear and understand a matter before we begin to write or talk about it. This keeps us from just expressing our own opinions.
- Does this need to be said? Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Some things would be best left unsaid.
- Why do I need to be the person to say this? Do I really have the insight, knowledge, true understanding of all of the ins and outs about this situation that I am writing about?
- Am I saying this in a way that represents Christ? Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
- How could I be misunderstood? It is said that we communicate by words only 7%, but body language, facial expression, tone of voice and the rest. This to me, is something to keep in mind when we write.
- What are my motives for saying this? 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” If we are not motivated by love, then we will be motivated by false motivation.
- Can I wait until tomorrow to say this? We who are Christians need to understand that we are Christians first and that we should bring honor and glory to the Lord. I find that when I write something when I am hot under the collar by putting it aside for a day or two brings in a different perspective.
We need to keep in mind that we are representing Christ here on earth.