Fed-up! Yes! I need to use this informal word as it is the only word that best describes my feelings about the discord and division being sown in our world the last few months. I came to the point of Liam Neeson:
“I get fed up with plots that are driven by someone constantly getting information on a computer.”
In our case, I believe I can change the word ‘computer’ to ‘smartphone’. It is tempting to write off excessive phone time as harmless, as it has become an integral part of our lives, and we want to justify why we have our phone in our hands all the time. We become addicted to social media, and we underestimate the effect it has on our lives. Not only is spending too much time on the phone unhealthy and unproductive, it disrupts our real-life social interactions and ruin relationships. People sit together, while being far apart. Facebook and Instagram lead to comparison, which in turn results in envy, strive, jealousy and dissatisfaction. You also become ‘nomophobic (no mobile phone phobia) when you can not connect, access information or share your opinions and the highs of your life with others.
If you have to sum up the last few months, there is only one word: VACCINATION. We see it on television, other news outlets, read about it in magazines, and most prominently, on social media. Whether it is religious or political, people have an opinion about it. Like me, you might also want to throw your toys out of the cot at the mention of this word. To vaccinate or not jumps up in every second post. It is consuming our minds and our time. Instead of attacking the issue, the person delivering the news is attacked. The other day I got fired up and was on the verge of losing the fruit of the Spirit. Unlike others, I did not want to post a laughing emoji or that red angry face, I was searching for that nauseous, sick, green face. It was then that the Holy Spirit brought me to tears. Then, instead of posting the crying face, I decided to spread other news – Good News.
Romans 16: 17 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them”
Paul here advised that we should avoid such people. Who are those people that he is talking about? Unlike Paul, my suggestion is that we completely avoid getting into conversations, arguments, or discussions about certain topics. Are we engaging in these to please God, to proclaim His Name? There is a difference between taking a stand and causing division. On the far side we have those for vaccinations and on the other side we have those who are radically against it. Both extremes are missing the point. Each is using the vaccine to legitimize their behaviors and decisions. Divisive things are being said, but as Christians we are called to “make every effort to live in peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14) and we are called to spread the Good News, not news.
We know that it’s no-one that prescribes our values. No-one else control our relationships or how we treat each other. That is for us to decide. We can sheepishly follow the masses in spreading news about the pro’s and con’s of the vaccine, or we can share the gospel. Politically driven agendas are not the only forces of change. The work of the church and the community are more powerful than leaders, the government, and theories.
The spirit of division is the kind of spirit that prevents unity. “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3: 3). The devil wants to weaken the power of the unified church. United we stand, divided we fall.
1 Corinthians 1: 10 “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment”
Jesus commands us all to teach His good news (Matthew 28: 18 – 20). This command is for all of us, not only for some special people. No Christian should refuse to speak about Jesus. The need is as great as ever. Let us learn from Paul. His determination to tell people the good news about Jesus impresses us and is an example we can follow.
Social distancing, quarantines and cancellations may keep us physically apart, but we must rely on one another, pray for one another and make every effort to support our brothers and sisters in need. Unity is strength (Ex Unitate Vires) and prayer has power!
I have come up with a few ideas to deal with the ‘bad’ news and spread the Good News instead:
1. Balance the use and the benefits of the supercomputer in your pocket.
2. Banish phones from certain places.
3. Block unwanted pages.
4. Technology allows us to stay in contact. Use your time wisely and share daily devotions or videos to others.
5. Pray – for peace, for others, for unity. The Holy Spirit is everywhere and waiting for an assignment.
6. Share grace on social media. Posts can raise stress-levels, or even cause panic and despair. Rather share how God is providing for you or how you have been blessed – in little or great ways.
7. Send messages to family members expressing your love.
8. Count your blessings and rejoice. Sharing your commitment to gratitude with others may help them reflect on the good things God continues to do and help them to focus on the Good News.
The church needs to love and must work towards peace. In this game of life, whatever you decide, or others prescribe, it is God who has the final say.
It is time to reclaim lost time!
Spread the Good News!
SHALOM!
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