That’s correct. Conflict, a wonderful problem. Why am I calling conflicts, a good problem? First, I don’t mean the conflicts stemming from violence. I am sure you guessed that. I am speaking of the conflicts that arises on blog sites and among friends. Don’t be afraid.
As a blogger, I need lively conversations to occur. It’s the conversations that draws interests and increases site traffic. Would you go to a site that’s quiet and seemingly dead? Why do you think political blogs do so well? Yet, this brings up a question.
Why are some Christians intimidated when it comes to the social media? By social media, I am including Facebook, blogs, Twitter and YouTube. Is it a fear of those who’d disagree? It’s a prideful person, who thinks “I’m always right!” It’s a prideful fool who thinks this way.
Here is what Proverbs 15:31-33 says:
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
will be at home among the wise.32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,
and humility comes before honor.
We should not be afraid of what someone will say. I am thankful for Michael saying “Someone needs a timeout and an attitude adjustment!” Michael is not a Christian; rather an agnostics. He’s right!
I did act like a fool. Thanks to his correction and help; I changed my behavior and learned a new tool. Would I have done so; if I was afraid of conflict? Conflict is a wonderful problem. It’s how we respond to the situation that makes a difference.
I asked my Facebook friends about Christians and social media. An old friend says, “Some folks are just too afraid of rejection or confrontation. ” Mercedes is quite right. Don’t be afraid! Courage is not the absence of fear. It’s what is done; in spite of it.
I could easily give a ton of Scriptures that are designed to empower you. I just did a check and guess what? The phrase “Be Not Afraid” appears over 366 times. There are other Scriptures that say similar things. However, there is just one problem. We need to act on it.
What if I make a mistake or say the wrong thing? Guess what? It happens. I had my fair shares of saying something wrong or being on the receiving end. Yet, I still keep going. Here is what Psalm 37:23-25 says:
23 The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread
Does the above Scriptures say “I won’t make a mistake or stumble”? No, it does not. It’s okay to make mistakes. Here is the question, though. Where are you placing your trust? Don’t be afraid.
What if they think poorly of me? I have an unfair advantage over many Christians in America. Being born with disabilities, I don’t have a choice in this matter. People are going to have opinions. It is not hopeless, though.
I can’t control what people think; they are responsible for their own thoughts. However, I can encourage a change in mindset. It’s done through our words and behaviors. The two need to line up. Don’t be afraid!
Do I struggle with acceptance? Who doesn’t? If I write to please Man then I’d be all over the map. Nothing would get done; if I live in fear of negative opinions. I am saying that to myself, too. Don’t be afraid.
How then shall I share? It begins by building bridges and acting in wisdom. Be forewarned, there are two types of wisdom. Here is what James says in James 3:14-18:
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Seek the common grounds and look for ways to build bridges. When visiting Alan Comes’ site, I am not obligated to agree with everyone. It would be boring; otherwise. However, I do look for places of agreement. I’m also not afraid to disagree in a respectful fashion.
Did you notice the last verse? It has to do with peacemakers. Are not Christians called to be peacemakers? Yes, we are called to be peacemakers. However, this does not mean I should roll over and play dead. This is why wisdom from the Father is sorely needed.
Don’t be afraid!
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