Glorified Gossip - Dinner #99

I’m afraid we like to share far more than just family photos and delicious recipes, on Facebook, right now.  

During this time of isolation, we somehow feel the need to spread the latest news, as well.  “Did you hear?” Re-post. “This makes me so mad!” Re-post.  “How can they do this to us?!” Re-post. 

Social media is being used as a platform for angry accusations . . . and many of us are only adding fuel to the fire. 

Proverbs 26:20-22 declares, “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire ; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

Certainly, some political and COVID-19 Facebook posts are accurate, but many of them are nothing more than glorified gossip; fragments cut and pasted from an original document, or images twisting the truth.  In recent days, I’ve observed dear friends unintentionally sharing one inaccuracy after another regarding CDC requirements and government guidelines.  I’ve watched in sadness as good Christian people spread slander regarding politicians and pastors alike.  

“They lie! They lie!”, the internet articles howl. “They’re making our lives miserable!” “They seek to destroy us all!”  And in a moment of anger and frustration, others join the online mob.  With the snap of our fingers – or the tap of our Smart Phone – we tear down and we burn, without a second thought.

James 3:5 tells us, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

As Christians, we should be champions of TRUTH!  We should be the ones most cautious to check, and double-check before we ever re-post the sensational; before we ever share what somebody else supposedly said or did.  Our voice on social media is no different than our voice in tangible relationships.  Our ability to spread gossip is just as dangerous.  Whenever possible, we ought to go to the source itself for verification! 

Is that what the pastor meant? I urge you to take the time to re-play his sermon.  Are those the actual health recommendations?  Visit www.cdc.gov.  Did the governor REALLY say that? Listen to the recorded speech.  Read the information posted on the politician’s OFFICIAL website.  Check the date on the article. Earnestly seek to spread only the truth!

Psalm 15 encourages us to be, “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.”

We must not allow ourselves to be so easily caught up in the “Did you hear?! He said . . . ! She said . . .! How shocking!”

We are apart right now, and, in many ways, the online platform is our loudest voice.  Dear Children of Light, may the information we share ring TRUE!

Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor . . .”

Renovations And Revival - Dinner #98

Who would have ever imagined such a global pause?  I look back at devotionals written during the stress and the business of life, and can hardly fathom the extent to which our world has changed. 

Social media is currently filled with photos of board games and puzzles; of crafts and creative family dinners - evidences of some really great substitutions for all the running-here-and-there that so often dictates our human existence.

Many stores are closed, of course, but during a recent trip to Ace Hardware, an employee remarked to my husband on the unexpected INCREASE in business. It seems like many folks are finally getting around to the house projects that have been on their to-do lists!

There is a renovation project on the way to our local grocery story, and it has been a secret pleasure of mine, watching the progress. Perhaps the owners are being able to sand and paint a little more than usual right now, because the front of the house is coming along quite rapidly. 

The truth of the matter is, through this pandemic, God has given us THE GIFT OF TIME.  Time to notice areas in need of attention - both in our homes and in our hearts. 

Psalm 119:59 says, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.”

Such a convicting verse.  Are we taking heed and thinking on our ways?  Are we contemplating the direction in which our life has been going?  There are things in my own life that I want to change; NEED to change.  Is it the same for you? 

Government officials are hoping to re-open our borders, soon; to return to “business as usual.” But, in all honesty, I don’t know if we’re ready yet.  Have you and I turned to God with our whole heart? As individuals, have we grown, through this difficulty? Are we learning the lessons that Almighty God wants us to learn?  This week, during an online service, I heard a pastor express it like this: “Normal is not what we need to get back to.  We need to get back to God and His Word.”

How grateful I am for the blessed promise of James 4:8, which says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

Being more of a homebody by nature, I’ve probably delighted in this social distancing more than most people.  I confess, I’ve loved the consistent schooling, the extra cooking and cleaning, the crafts, and the crisp spring air! But in the midst of what is really good, I pray I might not lose sight of what is BEST.  I pray I might not miss this opportunity to grow in my relationship with God – to experience a personal revival in my soul!

Lately, I find myself hungering for the Lord.  It makes me think of the verse in Psalms that speaks of longing for God like a deer longing for water.  The story of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus also comes to mind.    

Do you long for Him, too, Dear Sister? Do you want more of God? What a significant soul-searching time this could be for each of us, if we’d only let it be so. 

Jeremiah 29:13 declares, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”