Contrary

I'm in a bit of a mood today - don't say I didn't warn you.

I think we went wrong somewhere along the way.

We live in a time when the thoughts people used to keep to themselves (aka the glory days) are now on display for all to see, hear, and read.

Social media is like a big screen TV revealing our intimate thought bubbles.

I used to think, "Man, if people knew what was going through my head, they'd be like, whoa, girl, you need to go get some help."

But now, whatever primal, nasty things come to mind, boom, out they go.

Boom, literally. Words are such a weapon, aren't they?

"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" feels like a distant dream of a utopic society long passed.

I'm not talking about the humble brags, meal photos, event check-ins, or vacation slide shows; I'm talking about the mean nasties.

I see many people - honorable, Jesus-loving, good people - posting mean and nasty personal attacks and false things on social media. Complaining, bullying, whining, attacking, assuming, slandering.

Even the most influential leaders in the land attack and spew hate.

We would scold our children for acting this way.

If the Devil had an annual conference (probably held in Las Vegas) to celebrate past accomplishments and brainstorm growth opportunities, I'm sure there would be an award given out for the creation of social media.

Look at all the division and discord it has created in our world!

We. Should. Be. Ashamed. Of. Ourselves.

What would Jesus do if He came back right now?

Would he start a social media account, hire a PR team, and generate AI content?

I'm gonna guess not.

I think Jesus would do what He always did: help the poor, care for the widowed and children, find the lost, love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, and give hope to the forgotten.

He'd surely do some more teaching and probably start many of his sermons with "As I said before" or "Remember when I said."

He would remain meek and lowly, being a servant to those He loves.

Contrary to what the world deems worthy of power and authority, God doesn't define worth as someone acting with loud, mean-spirited, opinionated, dominating aggression.

Through Jesus, God gave us an example of what worthiness looks like: serving others quietly and laying down our lives for those we love.

We may not literally lay down our lives, but we can lay down our opinions and seek to understand.

We could lay down our self-interest and choose to help and serve rather than complain and whine.

We could pause and think before reposting and make sure what we are reading is factual (hard to do these days, that's for sure).

We could lay down our egos, stop slandering and pulling down others, and work together to improve the world.

God defines worthiness way differently than the world does, and sometimes, I gotta shake myself and return to Him to get back on track.

If God had an Annual Conference (probably held in Milwaukee), it would be to serve, pray, and help. There would be no awards; there would be no fanfare. It would just be a bunch of misfits coming together to encourage each other to keep bringing light into the world and thousands of Angels surrounding everyone telling them how loved they are.

I'd buy a ticket to that conference.

Alright, my mood has improved; thanks for being patient with me.

I encourage you today to find the good in the world, especially in people or things you disagree with.

Before you post, consider whether it's worthy of being shared and whether it will benefit the world.

Let's live contrary lives today and remember that God is here to help us think good thoughts, speak good words, and live with intentionally loving actions.

Let's make today a day that would make God proud!

Off we go!

Proverbs 18:21

Words kill, words give life;  they're either poison or fruit—you choose.

Matthew 11: 28-30

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Revelations 5: 10-12

"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were slain, and with your blood, you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne the, living creatures, and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"