If you’ve been on Facebook or Twitter lately, you’ve seen the hype. Chaos is drenching our culture and the pot stirring on social media is only making it worse.
Too often we’re like the disciples in Mark 4. The fishermen had seen crashing waves and blowing winds before but this storm seemed fiercer then the rest. They were certain the boat wasn’t going to withstand the turmoil.
They began to voice their concerns and quickly found others just as terrified. Misery, drama, and chaos always love company.
But where were the ones offering hope? Where were the voices of comfort and reason? Where were the wise friends telling each other that everything was going to be okay? With desperation in their voices, they yelled at their Creator, “Don’t you care if we die?”
I wonder how long Jesus looked at them before he spoke. I wonder if he slowly shook his head and sighed deeply. Once again, his followers were bowing to fear instead of standing on faith.
We need Jesus to admonish the storms in our life and then remind us of our faith from time to time, too. The one who controls the wind and waves still has the power to quiet the chaos in our lives. Our God isn’t a God of disorder. His people shouldn’t be buying into it or feeding off of it either.
Before you comment on that next news story, Facebook post, or Twitter update ask yourself if what you’re about to say will bring peace and unity.
If it’s a racial issue, listen to your black friends in person before you post online. Let them tell you their thoughts on the matter. Take to heart
what they say. Be kind. Listen. Before you voice your opinion on any issue involving the LGBTQ community, spend some time with your gay friends. Hear their story. Be compassionate. Listen. Whatever the issue is, consider the thought that you might be on the wrong side of it. Give grace to all.
It’s time Christians realize and accept the fact that whether we agree with others or not doesn’t matter nearly as much as how we choose to listen and love them.
Ask Jesus to calm the storms around you and then be people who speak comfort, hope, and wisdom into the difficult situations. Refuse to contribute to the division of this country. Find joy and comfort in the One who can wrangle the chaos within and around you.