You know that moment you click on a scripture verse for encouragement on Facebook and find the comments below akin to a WWE wrestling match?
I went to one professional wrestling event the year I graduated high school. Goldberg was going to “fight” Andre the Giant. It’s oddly entertaining as thousands of people chant amidst flashing lights, smoke and music. Near the end of the match, Goldberg does his infamous spear move and chaos erupts. The ring is flooded with other wrestlers and bouncers as the announcer yells, “We have World War III breaking out!”
It’s all about showmanship — people trying to look big and influential. Condescending posturing weaves in and out of the wrestlers’ ring as it does through my social media feed. Social media comment sections have gone from feeling like a high school lunch table of chatty cheerleaders to WWE mayhem.
It bothers me most when the pretentious, arrogant swagger comes from those who call themselves Christians. I get it. It’s easy to fall into this. Someone offers a theological idea that is off and you feel it’s your duty to correct it. The problem is the love is gone.
Instead of HELPING your brother out, you are TAKING your brother out. Guess who is watching — all your friends who don’t believe in Christ. Instead of defending your perspective of the truth, you discredit its power by how you posture yourself.
Don’t hear me wrong. I am not talking about blatant sin and accountability here. I am primarily talking about internal fighting over perspectives that are still within the greater Christian camp. I agree, we need to hone each other out as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Yet, we are to seek a mature understanding of the scripture with an attitude of love (Ephesians 4:1-16). I do believe there are times that call for strong correction (Luke 17:3), but the goal is unity and restoration.
Again, I’m not saying we shouldn’t stand for truth. However, please be aware of how you are doing so. The whole world is watching so many discredit the truth they proclaim by the false conduct of their character.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -Jesus Christ (John 13:34-35)