Thinking About Our Thinking

Our Sunday Seminar, “Loving God with All Your Mind,” concluded this past week with a good discussion around questions like:  How can we help each other follow James 1:19 (be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger)? Poor listening and hasty talking disrupt sound thinking.  As the body of Christ, we love each other well and honor our Head when we help one another think straight.  And notice that the challenge isn’t just how each believer can honor Jesus personally (crucial as that is!), but how we can shape a church culture of wise, patient, humble, Christ-like conduct.

Another question:  How should Christ’s Lordship direct our online activity? As we make decisions about what to post, comments to make, and our allocation of time and energy online, are we being proactive as representatives of Jesus to speak in a tone that’s pleasing to him?  Or are we falling into the ways of the internet world, with its bitterness, rage, unkindness, and the like?

Since all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and we’re to love our neighbors and even our enemies (Luke 6:27), to demean, mock, or disdain another human being online (regardless of their beliefs) is a betrayal of our Lord.  And so, let’s help each other think straight about exalting Christ as Lord at all times and in all places—even in those feisty online spaces.

And also:  What are we “saying” by pouring out our passion online to promote a given cultural or political cause? Are we giving the impression that advancing our preferred this-worldly agenda is more important to us than sharing Jesus’ love?  Clear thinking requires us to consider what message we’re conveying by the choice of topics we address and the energy we give to them.

And a recommendation:  The Wisdom Pyramid:  Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World, by Brett McCracken.  When it comes to information intake, make sure you don’t “eat” too much, too fast, or only what tastes good.  Spiritually nutritious food for thought!