Leash
One of the characteristics of a believer is the fruit of the spirit called “self-control”. It is at an alarming rate whereby we Christians these days, throw caution to the wrong winds. We set out to change the world but often end up with broken compasses. Today’s writing seeks to call us back to order: reminding us about the culture of the kingdom with emphasis on our seeing, hearing and speaking.
Allow me start by addressing our need to see rightly. There are so many enticing things flying about on social media that don’t necessarily concern us. We spend little or no time studying the word (Christ through the bible) and a considerable amount of time drooling over things that don’t edify nor help our spiritual growth whatsoever. And the ones that seem to concern us are the very ones we fall prey to. We join in “hate speaking”, Ponzi schemes, pseudo-activisms and false misrepresentation of human rights, because we somehow believe we are doing the right thing by standing up for people yeah? Well No! How can you truly see without the word? Do you think Jesus didn’t stand up for the less- privileged (the children, the adulteress, the sick, the poor etc.)? Because we see the wrong things, we make wrong judgement. Alas! We say the wrong things. Look what uncle Job said…
Job 31:1 (KJV) I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Let me now ask about your daily ponderings. Have you ever stopped to observe your heart beat? Do you listen to your thoughts? It could be that our once thoughtful actions have been reduced to mere impulses. If you know how vulnerable your mind could be to the wrong influence (information), you will go the distance in safeguarding it!
Pro 4:23 (KJV) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Our thoughts usually set our actions in play (in this context, our mouths). So, tell me, since when you have been protesting and complaining about issues on twitter, was there any “significant” positive change? It’s usually about the latest scandal or new jest (scorn). When last did you release words for edification on social media (or why exactly are you a Christian?). This my foolish talk is how Prophet Daniel and Queen Esther in the bible dealt with matters that caused national change. What I am saying in extract is this. “As a Christian you shouldn’t just give opinions on matters that you think is true because it is trending”. Anyone can just say anything that makes sense at face value but holds no truth upon scrutiny. You may just be ignorantly contributing to the PR that people are getting paid for.
James 3:8–10 (KJV)But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
We cannot keep breaking tables without providing chairs of practical wisdom for people to sit in. We cannot keep dishing hate speeches and hope people will be served from Paris with love. We are gods in this world and our words actually matter. When men are shouting there is a casting down, we are to hear from God and proclaim a lifting up. Be slow to speak but quick to hear God’s perspective on any matter.
Bolu Olatunji
Pray this: Lord, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight (Psa 19:14). Help me be an effective mouthpiece of peace, love and justice. Amen
