Your Choice
It is for freedom that Christ has set
us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a
yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
We are blessed to live in this country. We are blessed
by the many freedoms we enjoy. We have the freedom to worship as we choose. We
have the freedom to speak freely. Do we use that freedom wisely?
I spent the early years of my career as a journalist.
That’s right. A newspaper reporter. In Mass Communications classes, we studied how
tabloids can use words to manipulate the truth. It seemed so clear. In reality,
it wasn’t. That’s why so many people bought tabloids filled with lies that were
bolstered by tidbits of truth.
It breaks my heart to see that happening in such a
widespread way. I know. People love it. They buy into the lies. In our deepest
parts, we love gossip and the drama that it brings. But it is just so wrong.
The press corps has become filled with people who are
out to make a name for themselves. They will report almost anything just because
they can. It’s all about being first rather than being right. It’s that mob mentality
that turns frenzied at the first sight of its victim.
President Trump fuels that. He’s good at it. He always
has been. Except this isn’t reality television where ratings determine your
success. This is real life, real people, real events. It’s not okay to use your
power and platform to condemn at random and to spread lies when it’s
convenient.
Christ died to set us free so that we could live like
Him, not so that we could implode in a field of lies. We don’t get to pick and
choose which parts of the Bible we believe. Either you love Jesus as He is or
you don’t.
That means loving people, including people you
disagree with. That means tempering your words, being kind and forgiving and merciful.
It means standing up for what’s right, even if it steps on your own political
toes. It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about Jesus. When did we lose
sight of that?
It’s hard these days to determine fact from fiction. There
are some really good reporters out there who deserve respect from everyone.
They try hard to get the story right. That means stepping on toes. That means upsetting
everyone. Because when you’re walking that line of truth, no one is happy with
you.
It would be far easier to gather a bunch of folks
together, call them reporters or news anchors, throw out a few “facts” and let
them hash out their opinions. Label it news and watch the ratings skyrocket.
Most folks don’t bother to check out what they’re hearing or reading to make
sure it’s truth. I suppose if something is said enough times people stop
doubting its validity.
Christ didn’t set us free to spread lies and hate. Every
time we watch a “news” channel that does that, we are betraying Him. Every time
we “share” something without making sure it’s true, we betray Jesus. We spread
hate and discord because the drama feels good. Otherwise, why would we bother
to listen or read something that upsets us?
Lies beget lies. Hate begets hate. Jesus? Well, Jesus
is all about love. You have the freedom to choose who you will follow. Will it
be the world with all it’s anger and hate? Or will it be Jesus, who beckons us
to love and care for others? Your choice. I pray you choose wisely.
