women in the Word Wednesday

 

I was thinking about what to write for today's post and I immediately thought of the phrase, proceed with caution. You don't need me talking about this time we're living in today to know how things are going, but may I encourage and challenge you for the next few moments? 

Social media has so many great sides, but we all know there is a huge downfall to it right now, because everyone is always so quick to state their opinions. I keep on thinking of something I used to tell my boys when they were young: before you speak, THINK.

Is it True?

Is it Helpful?

Is it Inspiring?

Is it Necessary?

Is it Kind?

I know it's so tempting to always bite back really quickly, but as believers and followers of the Lord Jesus, we are to look differently than those around us who are unbelieving and we are to shine the light of Jesus. 

Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Philippians 2:14-16a

That certainly reiterates the fact that we are to point other people to Jesus. Our lives and characteristics should actually provoke people to jealousy to be like we are, to have what we have, as in the peace of Jesus. Isn't that interesting to think about? 

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand.  Colossians 3:1

I love the verse above in the New Living Translation, perhaps because it seems to set things in perspective. In light of the reality of heaven, it helps to see what's important and what's not. And if it's not important in light of eternity? Let it go. 

What that looks like in my life is this: I don't really post about controversial things. I talk a lot about Jesus, so maybe that is controversial, but I stay away from current events and politics. Personally, I like for my social media to feel fun and lighthearted, with things thrown in to make people think about where they're going to spend eternity. I know that's just how I am, so I'm not saying that you should do the same thing. But it is worth thinking about what your posts are truly "saying" without actually using your speaking voice.

Right still needs to be stood up for and truth still needs to be spoken, so I'm not saying don't do those things—but just like before I speak sometimes I pray about it, maybe we should all do a little more of that. 

And somehow, in remembering all of this, we are all also to display all the fruits of the Spirit, if we are believers and followers of Jesus. In case you need a refresher, they are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. 

I know that our future is still uncertain and that everyone is losing their minds all over the Instgrams and the Facebooks, but stand firm and resist the temptation to spew off something you'll regret later. So, dear friends, in these rocky times, proceed with caution. I am cautiously optimistic that things will not always look like they look right now at this moment in time. I'm not saying things will look a whole lot better, but I'll take baby steps in that direction. 

In the meantime, I'll be praying as usual. I will pray for the light of Jesus to push back the dark, for strength to face whatever may come, for the love of Jesus to shine through those of us who know Him and that He will use these dark days to draw lost people to Him. If you know Jesus, I encourage you to do the same.

Thanks for reading. Love to all.