Journeying with Jesus in a Selfie-Centred World: Part 6
#Challenges of Constant Criticism: Discovering Encouragement
Sunday, March 5, 2017
#constant evaluation
Our social media culture adds to an atmosphere of constant evaluation.
#characteristics that create chronic critical behaviour
Anonymity: saying (typing) things one would never state in person.
Jesus says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
(Matthew 18:15, p. 695)
- The right to face one’s accusers.
Impersonal: no personal relationship; can lead to being cold, heartless, mean, etc.
Apostle Paul says, “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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 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 4:29-32, p. 829)
Consumeristic: it’s all about me the consumer, my comfort and my convenience.
Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24, p. 733)
Apostle Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20, p. 824)
Popularity: worrying about what people think and say about me.
- Likes, dislikes, tweets, retweets, viral, followers, subscribers, etc.
Jesus says, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
(John 15:18-19, p. 764)
Apostle Paul says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, p. 823)
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25, p. 470)