Something has to change about the way Christians interact online.
We’ve all watched comment sections blow up on social media where Christians just yell right past their brothers and sisters, only to come to a standstill in the conversation.
Whether the discussion has 10 comments or 10,000, have you ever seen anyone who’s mind was changed based on the arguments presented in the comment section of a controversial article? Probably not. I know I never have.
It didn’t matter how logical the arguments were, how well crafted, or how many words were written. It all seemed pretty pointless. Instead of talking someone into a new point of view, we likely solidified their prior thoughts and damaged the relationship in the process.
Honestly, it doesn’t even matter what topic is at hand. Between theology, politics, parenting, sex, finances, church practices, medicine, etc., there are plenty of avenues for disagreement. Many of these topics even lack clear biblical instructions. We probably should have opinions on these topics, and they should be biblically informed when possible. It’s even alright to not have an opinion.
But there’s something far more important at stake than a wrong viewpoint. It’s the reputation of Jesus.
As Christians, I think Jesus calls us to something higher than Facebook bickering. When He prayed for His disciples in John 17, He also seems to pray for us.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21)
Jesus prays on my behalf and yours that, as Christians, we might be completely unified. Unified in our thinking, our message and our love for one another. Our unity is what shows the world who we belong to. He says something similar in John 13.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Jesus sums up in one sentence how the people of God should be seen by the world. We should be the most loving of all people, especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Though love itself is not always enough to draw people to Jesus, it clearly communicates to those around us who we belong to and who we live for.
Here’s the issue.
If we are supposed to show people what our Jesus is like through our unity and love for one another, imagine what disunity and public hostility can do. Quite the opposite, right? It can harm the name that is to be cherished. It is extremely sad when we are known more for devouring our own rather than loving them well. It gives onlookers even more reasons to say “If that’s what Jesus is about, I want no part of Him or his people.”
That’s a big freaking deal!
Social media has given rise to the easiest access in the history of the world to the saving message of Jesus, His death and resurrection. It’s given us a way to shout to billions of people that there is life to be found in believing and receiving that good news.
However, it seems to also give way to the worst of us. It allows not only our good things to be publicly highlighted, but also the nasty parts of our hearts to be exposed. You are not just arguing with one person in a chat box. Depending on your platform, you have possibly thousands, even millions of people watching a back and forth conversation.
Many of those people are searching for the hope we have, but will be distracted by the hate we project instead. Our rebuttal could be that we are speaking in love. We really do care about the person we’re arguing with. But that’s usually not how it’s perceived. We have to be mindful of public perception, especially when we lack the ability to communicate through body language and tone of voice.
Social media forums are really the new living space. It’s where people are and it’s what they pay attention to. It’s where they receive most of their information and develop many of their opinions about different groups of people, Christians included. That means there’s a responsibility for us to use it in a way that honors God just as other aspects of your life should.
Don’t get me wrong. I like online discussions. I’ve participated in lots of them. The sinful part of me even loves seeing people get stirred up. But I’ve also inadvertently hurt the name of Jesus.
I’ve damaged personal relationships because of firm stances I’ve taken on topics that I was most likely uninformed about. In hindsight, the conversations could have been far more productive in private if only I had stopped to ask “should this be public?” Of course they started around a controversial topic, but they quickly escalate to personal jabs that just attempt to tear other people down or make them look stupid. That is never God honoring.
To be clear, my contention is not with having disagreements. Diversity of thought is a healthy thing. My issue is with airing out all our disagreements publicly. You see it as a difference of opinion. Many people see it as hate and division.
If you have an issue with a brother or sister in Christ, tell them. Message them privately. Send them a text. You might even CALL THEM. (Crazy… I know)
It seems as though there is far more to lose than there is to gain by our public discord, and frankly, it’s not our job to police the internet. It’s not our job to right every perceived wrong online. Not every conversation needs our brilliant insights.
By all means, speak up about things that should be spoken out against. But please, please, be mindful of who you are representing. You might not care about your reputation, but you need to care about the reputation of Jesus.
Blessings,
The Finish Line 