Most of you, who will be reading this bulletin message, have access to the news in one of the many forms available today. Because of the news, we are to some extent, informed of the current events around our country and the world, which are usually the topic of many interesting discussions that we are involved with and or with interest listen to. The topics of these discussions are many, you could easily compile a short list of many of the topics you have heard something about and or even discussed with someone about just this week.
With interest, we all probably have listened to radio programs, watched television programs or read articles discussing and or debating some of the current event topics, we have had a discussion about with someone. Appearing on many of these media programs, often there is the participation of someone who is considered an expert on the issues being addressed, which add a little more insight to the discussion. However, how much are we allowing the Word of God to give us God’s perspectives about the current event topics that interest us and we discuss with others?
On social media, when a particular topic is addressed the conversation sometimes can get very emotional, such as with the topic of abortion. For some it is very easy to quickly express their opinion without full knowledge of the facts, especially from a Biblical perspective. Because of the nature of some topics, there can be many different opinions, and at times, the emotion and intensity levels are higher than normal. When a Christian is expressing their opinion concerning a particular issue, have you been shocked to hear your Christian friend express their opinion in a way that you would never expect to hear? I know I have. Why is it so easy for some Christians who love Jesus, who say they believe and live by Biblical principles express certain kind of feelings, thoughts and opinions that clearly do not glorify Christ nor represent a heart and a mind that is submitted to God’s Biblical principles?
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
When expressing our feelings concerning some of popularly discussed issues, we need to be careful and purposeful when we speak and or respond even if it is on Face Book or in a Blog on the internet. Proverbs 18:2, A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. Sometimes it is better if we do not say anything at all, especially when it is an emotionally heated or political topic. Proverbs 17:28, Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
When listening to what Christians are saying about any topic of discussion, I always must remind myself of the following. Is what, that is being said, comes from a life and heart submitted to Christ and God’s Word? Is the Holy Spirit in control of their words or is it their emotions? How does what they say line up with God’s Word and what the Bible says who He is?
Most importantly, I must not forget how this applies to me. I need to be careful and mindful of how my words and opinions concerning an issue are heard and interpreted, first by those who are not believers and then those who are. I need to always be aware of the source of my words. Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. Proverbs 13:16
When discussing a topic or when we are asked “what is your opinion? As a believer in Christ, our words when possible should always be centered in God’s Word. As Christians, we do not represent ourselves. We represent Christ and His Kingdom. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says we are “Christ’s ambassadors”. How are we representing Christ and Biblical principles when we express our opinions discussing certain topics?
When speaking to someone who is not part of the family of God about any topic, are we exemplifying to them with our words spoken or written what Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37-39? Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Also, when discussing any topic, it is important to remember what is written in Colossians 4:5-6, 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
In these two verses, we are instructed about four key aspects that can assist us in our discussions to glorify Christ and possibly lead a life to accept, surrender and trust Jesus as their Savior.
A. Ver. 5, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders”
Our words tells others much about who Christ is in our lives.
1 Timothy 3:7, He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
B. “make the most of every opportunity.”
Remember the opportunity is to glorify Christ not ourselves.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NLT, 17 As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” 18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much.
C. Ver. 6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace,”
Who and what is the source of our words?
Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
D. “seasoned with salt,”
Proverbs 17:27, A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
E. The desired result – “so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
In conclusion, if all the chatter and arguing of news, or what you read on social media is upsetting to you, follow the Apostle Paul’s advice.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Pastor John
