So last month and for most of this month I’ve reduced my screen time and become far more analytical of what I’ve been watching and what my feed has been throwing in front of me. There’s so much to say, so much to respond to, and generally, plenty we should be concerned about.
Elitism, ‘I’m the only one that really knows the truth and can see that everyone else is fake, toxic and a narcissist ‘
Separatism, the notion that safety can only be assured by removing yourself from others, putting up the drawbridge, severely limiting your sources of influence, and finally, firing off your complaints and ‘pseudo-warnings’ remotely from your keyboard.
A lot of social media content flies in the face of biblical Christianity and ancient Hebraic thinking. One of the biggest differences between Ancient Near Eastern thinking and the values of our inherited Greco-Roman culture is that the Bible is predominately set in a corporate context. Even God is Three in One, the importance of family units, tribes, corporate worship, the accountability attached to societal behaviour. A key turning point in Christ’s ministry is found in Matthew 16, ‘I will build my church.’ Yahweh loves the corporate, we’re designed for family and not to be alone. Though some of us have become tough enough to survive on our own, due to relational breakdowns, divorce, abuse, tragedy – that’s sadly the fruit of a fallen world and not God’s primary desire. The whole of life is such, living with the consequences of our sin, the sins of others and the sins of those from previous generations. But I would suggest, adjusting and accepting those levels of brokenness and hopelessness is not a healthy biblical response.
When Jesus speaks from beyond the tomb in Revelation 2 & 3, He addresses city churches. That is, corporate bodies that have an ecclesiastical calling to be ‘gatekeepers’ to their specific towns.
Revelation 3:20, ‘I stand at the door and knock’, though often used in evangelistic tracks, these words have a corporate setting, Jesus isn’t simply knocking on the door of your heart, but the door of a church. A church blind to its own spiritual poverty and nakedness. Lukewarm! Possibly, the highest of insults. There are times when I’m gagging for a cold refreshing drink, or alternatively, something that will warm me up on a cold winter’s day. I’ve never known anyone gasping for something tepid.
I digress, but the metaphor is clear. ‘Make it count’ was one of our ministry slogans, whether it was a midweek house group, another Sunday morning service, a special prayer event – Make it count! Make sure it has value, a Godly purpose, spiritual integrity, divine space and prophetic input. But I’m still digressing.
Individualism is not a fruit of the Spirit! Nor is tolerance, while I’m on that subject. Pop-psychology is moving the goal posts and presenting alternative values, and even Christians are buying into this alternative ‘kingdom’.
In 2025, don’t let the Enemy set the agenda!
I’ve said it before, even within these blogs, but its an essential strategy. Beyond the pop-psychology of life hacks and pithy motivational sayings, there are ‘so-called’ Christian influencers/commentators reacting to everything that bears the mark of the beast. When it comes to discernment, that’s Class 101, the basics of the basics. We live in a fallen world; we’re all called to test the spirits, basic Christianity should involve the ability of knowing right from wrong and recognising the enemy’s schemes. The devil’s activities are both subtle and not-so-subtle. But either way, most of the time when Christians overreact to discerning his presence, God’s Kingdom agenda is put on hold.
Don’t let the tail wag the dog! Don’t walk upon the fields of every potential battleground. Be wise! The apostle Paul is clear in 2 Corinthians 10, we DO NOT wage war as the world does. Therefore, STOP OVERREACTING every time you spot the devil’s DNA. It’s just a distraction from the main campaign.
There are times when being ‘so-called’ knowledgeable of the enemy’s schemes is just as damaging and deceptive as being ignorant of his schemes. Think on that. Pray through that.
True biblical discernment is a multi-layered discipline – your ability to spot the work of satan in modern culture or even in our local churches is not necessarily a ground-breaking event. The power of the Gospel is in its ability to bring transformation, healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, hope, lasting values, purpose, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. From my online experience, wading through the dross of social media reels and postings, these negative voices often promote fear and judgement, being more excited about spotting the signs of the End Times, rather than finding the space and language to talk about the year of the Lord’s favour - and the far-reaching benefits of a holistic approach to the Good News of Jesus.
With such a rich Bible of hope, acceptance and redemption, I don’t want to waste my words bashing everything that falls short of the glory of God. We’d be here all day! What’s that popular phrase? Oh, ‘everyone’s a critic these days’. Don’t align yourself with the ‘everyone’, because holiness ought to set you apart for the glorious purposes of God. Or as I’ve often said,
‘Don’t be an echo, be a voice’.
So here are 5 pointers to hopefully recalibrate our spiritual compasses.
Don’t let the enemy set the agenda
I’ve already explained this, both here, and in an earlier blog.
Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, Matthew 6:33
The proclamation of His Kingdom, the social reformations of His Kingdom and the supernatural transformations of His Kingdom must ALWAYS take priority in Christian ministry. In addition, this phrase could well be the forerunner to 1 Corinthians 13. We know that the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, when operated without love are rendered null and void. So too, any expressions of God’s Kingdom without His righteousness should be deemed powerless and in vain.
The tongue has the power of life and death, Proverbs 18:21
Our words are powerful, so please, don't be reckless. Hebrews 12 talks of a father disciplining his child. The key here is in the father-son relationship. I can’t talk about every family situation – we’re all too aware of dysfunctionality and abuse. But I know from experience within congregational life and missional situations, discipline or correction has little value without first establishing unquestionable and trustworthy love. Remember, no one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.
For God so loved the world, John 3:16
The most famous verse in the Bible is about God’s love for others. I think individualism is a dangerous ideology, and probably a dangerous idolatry. Until compassion for others motivates us, we’re in danger of becoming simply pagan rather than biblical. Do a Bible word search and see what happens every time Jesus is moved by compassion.
Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Matthew 12:25
When I get to heaven, I may well feel the need to have some strong words with Jesus. Why on earth did He give satan the strategy to defeat us?! In the broader context of church, whether you’re talking about separation, or sowing into division, you’re probably investing into the downfall of Kingdom expressions. Jesus was clear, if you’re not for me, you’re against, if you’re not gathering stones, you’re scattering them. So many well-intentional words and personal campaigns to bring correction result in further divisions and eventually ‘remnant’ thinking – we’re the only ones, we’re the only one with the true… blah, blah, blah. How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity, (Psalm 133), according to the psalm it’s a place of comprehensive anointing, supernatural refreshing and further salvation, as salvation is the only blessing that comes with the promise of eternal life. Choose your battles carefully, assess the possible casualties, and (painfully and courageously) when on your way to worship, first, take the detour to seek reconciliation.
And finally,
Be blessed - be abundantly blessed and positively overshadowed by His gracious life-giving Holy Spirit.
May 2025 be a year of renewed vision and fresh anointing.
A year of confirmations and affirmations in your ministry, &or a gracious time for reviewing and resetting ministerial goals and your Godly commitments.
A year of discerning between entrustments (God’s appointed assignments) and enticements (personal preferences that rob you of Kingdom energy).
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Amen and amen.
Postscript, 'overflowing with thankfulness', is a sign of spiritual maturity - and don't you forget it! See you next year.
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