Just Delete the App

A Riot Broke Out!

The Roman commander wrote in a letter, “I soon discovered the charge was something regarding their religious law—certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death.” Book of Acts 23:29

The Apostle Paul had done nothing deserving of death or chains, yet the hatred of others raged against him, out of control. They wanted him dead without a cause.

I sit safely in the privacy of my own home and groan at the news. I chat with friends and we shake our heads in disgust at the latest face-palm failure of a government leader or a popular sports figure.

How is that helping the situation? I once heard a quote, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” …Selah

We may not be physically violent or riotous, but how often do we use our words to slay the character of someone whose personal beliefs offend us? How often do we, in thought and heart, chain them to our views, our distastes, our anger, our prejudice?

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit (murder). But I tell you, everyone who looks at a (person) to (kill him) has already committed (murder) in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). The original verse  confronts adultery, but couldn’t His teaching apply to any of the commandments?

Negative emotions out of control blind their possessor. And they’re infectious.

I might not hate anybody, but what about chronic irritation? Annoyance? Where do these ‘feelings’ take me if I don’t capture them when they enter? Certainly not anywhere good or helpful to society.

My only inoculation against ‘infectious diseases’ of a spiritual kind is time in the secret place, letting go of all my opinions and asking God for His perspective. We all need our thinking straightened out on a regular basis.

Hint: God’s view will never defy what Jesus claimed as the two most important commandments. Love God with all your heart, Love People as you love yourself.

If any part of my thinking is out of alignment with either of these “loves,” then my mental processor is totally misaligned. A little leaven leavens the entire loaf, right?

Shielding against a counterattack:
Okay, so now I’m pursuing love and purity of heart. Since I’m no longer playing on Hell’s team, Hell is ticked off. The enemy rises up through people, acquaintances, even family, who are blinded by hate, to falsely accuse me of an atrocity. Just as happened to the Apostle Paul. (I’m in good company.)

Oh my soul, do not be stirred up by what does not bring life to self or others.

Jesus came not to condemn but to bring life—-in abundance. He was hated by those who disagreed. (More good company.)

Are you stirred up by stuff that’s happening on the streets?
Need to take some time away from Facebook?

Time away from watching the news (or tv altogether)?

.
Need to delete the app on your phone that sucks you into those things that stir up un-love in your mind and heart?

“If your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away” Matthew 5:29.
Seriously, it’s easier just to delete the app.

From this day forth,
may my conversations with my friends
focus on what’s life giving.

And may it be infectious!

The Way of the Embattled Spirit