We've all committed the mortal sin of social media. I know I have…too many times. We either post something controversial in the heat of the moment…or…we weigh in on someone else's conversation because we can't help ourselves.
Embarrassingly, I cannot count the times I've responded to an important, but secondary, issue in the heat of the moment. Rather than take a deep breath, wait a few hours (if not a day or two) and respond thoughtfully, I've shot from the hip and asked questions later.
Looking deeper into Acts 15, we not only see the blue print of how to do church…but also how "NOT" to do church. The issue: John Mark. The ones holding opposing views: Paul and Barnabas. The result: sharp disagreement and a parting of ways. Paul's second missionary journey began with disunity and emotional wounds due to the ancient equivalent of a Facebook spat.
The outcome of their dispute wasn't a simple "let's agree to disagree" conclusion. When the text says they had a "sharp disagreement," the greek word for that phrase is "paroxusmos." This word means a "severe argument based on intense differences of opinion." These disciples weren't debating the strength of SEC football schedules. The tension was as thick as Butch Cassidy in a Bolivian gunfight. Emotions were more than likely flaring up. Character was probably attacked.
Once again, this provides a blue print of what NOT to do. Maybe it's because we are passionate people, but it seems as though Christians are some of the first ones to forget that tone matters. When we engage in public conversation…tone matters. When we express our views politically…tone matters. When we discuss sharp doctrinal differences within the family of faith…tone matters.
First, it matters because Christ prayed that our love for each other would display the glory and greatness of God (John 17:20-26). The world around us already witnesses enough character assassination, finger pointing and demonizing in everyday culture. If the church displays this same disunity, are we really pointing them to the beauty and unity of the Cross? Civil discourse should be one of the greatest hallmarks of disagreement within a New Testament church.
Second, the current generation of young adults won't put up with it. If they see shots fired, they will simply walk away. But as people who claim to belong to Christ, Kinnaman says that "we need models for the next generation not only of intellectual rigor, but also of humility and generosity of spirit…a good place to start this endeavor is with fellow believers."
So that's where I'm living this week. Learning to think before speaking (or posting) so that the Cross will remain central and disagreements will be heavily seasoned with humility.
As Kinnaman states, "over and above our debates, we should cultivate a spirit of Christian unity, purpose, and mission."
Well said Chad. We all need to be reminded that what we say may be important but how we say it is really the ultimate true communicator. Jesus modeled this. His words were carefully chosen and He left no doubt about what He said and what was meant by what He said. What we say and the TONE in which we say it can positively or negatively impact those we are communicating with. We can be game changers for those God places around us. I want to game change their lives FOR Jesus! TONE is the word for the day. Blessings. Terry McNatt
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment, Terry. I think you a GREAT model of someone who is careful about tone. Whether in smooth times or moments of conflict, I've always watched you choose a tone that reflects the Spirit of Christ. Thanks for your example. I love serving alongside of you!
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