Perception of Reality

For most of this week I've been in 'you can't be serious' mode after reading several posts on Face book.  From the young woman taking half-naked pictures in their (or a hotel) bathroom with the thirsty dudes posting comments that cements their sexual lusts in print; to the 35 and older taking "professional" pictures--seemingly in an attempt to fulfill a lifelong dream to make the Jet Beauty of the Week.  Let's not forget the mothers who post profanity-laden statuses, words of thanks to God, booty-club pics, and photos with their toddler children--all in one day.  It's all is pretty astounding to say the least.  But it also brings about some depressing feelings for me, mostly because a great amount of the foolery I see on this social website is from people I know outside of Face book.  Some of them were former high school or college mates while others I knew in other vocational circles.  A great portion of them I went to church with at some point and time, and I get weighed with so much of the foolishness that I log off and pray.  Through that prayer and meditation one subject has repeatedly surfaced--people are hurting because they don't know who they are.


Of course, if I want to see a wealth of positivity on Face book, I can login in the morning where even the heathens' heathen gives a shout out to the Lord.  Still, a common theme is what I would call the voodoo doll movement.  This is when people appeal to God because they are in need of something to happen for them in a time frame that they determine is critical.  It doesn't necessarily mean they have a relationship with Christ or even God; but they know where to go when the well is running dry.  It's a common practice for non-Christians and a growing practice for those claiming Jesus as theirs.  An example of this is "Good morning FB!  Lord, give me strength today to deal with these people!"  Nothing wrong with calling on His Name for help before the trouble gets there, but when that post is followed up with something like "these [explicative] people get on my nerves!!!!", then that presents a blatant contradiction.  For one, a reaction such as this to whatever happened 2 hours after a person asked God for strength implies that either God didn't give it to him/her (which isn't true) or he/she refused the help.  But two, the importance to ink feelings of disgust clearly lends to the hurt and frustration the person has internalized about the situation; and has not given it all to God.

We Christians know that the Bible tells us plenty about who we really are as children of God through Jesus; and benefits of an honest relationship with Him.  As a matter of fact, many preachers use some of the scriptures as catch phrases (or punch lines) to obtain the applause that they desire for their sermons.  But regardless if they are using it for personal admiration or not, the words are true.  IF you are a servant (please research the definition) of God, no weapon formed against you shall defeat you (Isaiah 54.17 - the entire verse).  IF you are a child of the living God, paying close attention to Him, then you are the leader and not the follower (Deuteronomy 28:13 - the entire verse).  IF Christ lives within you then God already gave you the spirit of power and self control; and not one of fear (2 Timothy 1:7 - the entire verse).  With that said, if we can see God acknowledges what you have inside of you as one belonging to Him, then why don't we see it? 

This part is for those of us who consistently degrade ourselves with words and photos on viral media while proclaiming Christ.  Do we choose not to accept the strength we have been issued and is it causing us to lash out when we are hurt, like God isn't noticing it and our misuse of the power we hold?  Are we posing like whores and talking like tricks because we don't accept we are the head, and so we act like we are the bottom?  Is the God-given power we have to control our mouths nullified when it's time to write something on FB?  Or is the reason for this out of character acting is because we don't pay attention to His commands and/or serve Him on a continuous basis?  Maybe we are fabricating a walk with God and we truly are just using Him for troubled situations.

Old head knowledge - you believe what you perceive.  I'll add that people act and talk out their beliefs.   Believe Christ today, and then act like He did what He said He did.

Peace