The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Does the Word of God Inform Our Worldview When We Write Online?
What happens when we don’t include God’s word online? I don’t know about you, but I happen to notice how much I tend to look around for another book to speak to me about a topic I’m struggling with, about an area of my life which needs refining. I don’t need more books—I need His Word.
Recently, I’ve become more aware of the impact and influence of online thought and perception, of clubs and tribes, cliques and clusters—of shared narratives that may not include my moral code.
While finding new acquaintances online has been a salve to me as a writer, it’s also become a relentless field of oppression and despair. My entering into Christian circles seems to be hinged on my need for biblical support, but I find more cases of feelings and sentimentality instead.
I don’t always get my thoughts in order and run into the danger of—as a Bible-believing Christian—to lack informing my words with the Bible at hand. We fail to include the word of God as a source of life and living, don’t we, when we’re caught up in sentimentality and popular opinion.
The Bible is sufficient and should be enough to us. We don’t need to be anxious about what is going on in the world, what someone is saying about someone else because that doesn’t edify. Our biblical worldview is what ultimately will inform our opinions and responses to the things we hear, see, and say.
Let’s remember that Paul didn’t make himself the point of focus, but rather kept his faithful focus on Christ (2 Corinthians 4: 5-6). When we speak, we speak through the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).
Lately, I’ve done what I must do online and then I get out. I answer my notifications and move along, lest I get hooked on a bait that will eventually become a snare. Likewise, it’s important to not go fishing for piranhas, because we will find them if we’re not careful. Instead, we are wise to be better stewards of our time if we include those who sharpen us in our lives. Our writing, our speech, and our thoughts should always bear the witness of Christ.
As Paul noted: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
How do you cope? Do you despair when you attempt to connect biblically with others and can’t?
EXCELLENT!!!
Wise words on a crucial topic; sentimentality and feelings have no place in the necessity for rigorous theology.
Indeed. We can get too caught up in our feelings about a matter and that can become misplaced as truth, or theology, or God’s will. It’s important to know Him before we step into a conversation in which we’ll be challenged about our worldview. It becomes dangerous when it doesn’t come from the word of God.
Yes! This can be such a challenge, especially when we gravitate towards groups that are homogenous. Then our online world can become an echo chamber. And without the grounding of the truth of God’s word, that echo chamber can become our truth. Yikes! Praise God for his Word, that gives us that touch point by which to measure all things.
Yes Stephanie! You articulated this so well. Exactly.
The Word makes all the difference. Great post!
Thank you Rebekah!
We can never go wrong with the Word, a friend said to me once a long time ago. It still stands, as does the Word and I fall far less often when I take time to let it sink deep into my soul and brain. Been working on Col. 3 1-17 far too long (trying to memorize that is) but it’s always, always worth my time/efforts. Plus in college I learned this (in the KJV bec I’m that old): Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in thee do I trust, cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto Thee. – and say it/pray it most mornings still. Pick a morning verse – better than fresh squeezed OJ. (:
I truly appreciate this response, Sue. I too love the KJV and this passage is better than o.j.
Good thoughts on an important topic! Somehow, it’s so much easier to turn to people in all things and try to find the answer there. Now I think it is important that we are connected to other believers for encouragement, counsel, and support. But in all things, we must first turn to the Lord. Thank you for linking up over at GraceFull Tuesday!
The Word keeps us on track. It is Truth whereas our feelings often lead us astray and should only be indicators – not truth. Thank you for joining me at #MomentsofHope and for sharing this post!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori