Don’t read this. I just needed to write today. Nothing more’ Nothing less.
___________________________________________________
Let’s be real—social media is a powerful tool. It can connect us, inform us, and even inspire us. But it can just as quickly become a platform for mockery, foolishness, and even cruelty—especially when tragedy strikes or when emotions run high.
Sometimes, the best thing we can do is pause, reflect, and honestly ask ourselves: “Is what I’m about to post bringing hope and light into the world, or am I adding to the noise and negativity?”
#1 – Not Every Thought Needs a Platform
We’ve all seen it: posts that make light of tragedy, comments that turn heartbreak into a punchline, or rants that lack any real thought or compassion. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and hit “post” before thinking about the impact of our words. But just because you can say something, doesn’t mean you should.
There’s real wisdom in holding back. Sometimes, the most mature thing you can do is delete that draft—or better yet, never write it at all. The world doesn’t need more mockery or foolish statements; it needs hope, encouragement, and truth. It needs Jesus.
#2 – Don’t Make a Mockery Out of Tragedy
When tragedy strikes, people are hurting. They don’t need sarcasm, insensitive jokes, or hot takes. They need comfort. They need reminders that there’s still good in the world.
Making a mockery out of a travesty or tragedy only adds to the pain and confusion. As followers of Christ, we’re called to be different. We’re called to be a light in the darkness, not another source of darkness.
#3 – Let’s Bring Hope and Light
Imagine the impact if, instead of foolish statements, our feeds were filled with encouragement, hope, and reminders that God is still in control. We have an incredible opportunity to point people to Jesus, to offer peace in chaos, and to show compassion when it’s needed most.
#4 – Wisdom from Proverbs
The book of Proverbs is packed with wisdom about how we use our words—especially when it comes to dealing with foolishness:
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” (Proverbs 26:4, ESV)
“Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:28, ESV)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Proverbs 18:21, ESV)
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (Proverbs 18:2, ESV)
These verses aren’t just ancient wisdom—they’re a blueprint for how we can use our social platforms today. Let’s choose to be wise.
Let’s choose to be different.
#5 – A Call to Pause, Reflect, and Shine
So, before you post, pause. Ask yourself if your words will bring hope, light, and encouragement. If not, maybe it’s time to hit delete—or better yet, open your Bible, pray, and ask Jesus to guide your words and actions.
Let’s be people who lift others up, who speak truth with love, and who bring light into even the darkest spaces online.
The world is watching—let’s show them Jesus.
Just some thoughts,
Chris
Early Christians faced numerous challenges, including government persecution, adhering to a different set of beliefs, and striving to do what is right in an immoral world. These issues are not unique to the first century but continue to be relevant today.
How do you cope with the challenges you encounter?
James tells his readers that it is possible to find joy in the midst of trials and temptations.
Do you find joy, even in the smallest amount amid trials and temptations?
This is achievable for Christians because they have a long-term perspective. James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1.2-3 ESV)
Steadfastness, when fully developed, helps Christians become mature and complete (James 1:4). A long-term perspective has its advantages.
Christians know that things in life work towards a greater good because they have a God who cares for their well-being. James encourages his readers to ask God for wisdom, as He will grant it to those who have faith (James 1:5-8).
How do you deal with challenges?
Do you have a long-term perspective?
Do you seek wisdom from God?
Just some thoughts,
The term ‘Christian’ is often associated with actions that reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, Christians are expected to emulate his actions and teachings in their daily lives.
The Epistle of James provides a practical guide for Christians, outlining the actions and behaviors that should be exhibited in their day-to-day lives. It has been called the “Monday through Saturday guide for Christians” because of its practicality.
James, the author of the Epistle, was likely the brother of Jesus. (Matthew 13.55; Galatians 1.9) In the beginning, James and the other brothers of Jesus tried to discourage the Lord (John 7.5). However, as time passed, James grew spiritually and became an active member of the early Christian community.
- James was with the disciples in the upper room. (Acts 1:14)
- Peter sent good news to him. (Acts 12:17)
- James speaks to the brethren at the Jerusalem gathering. (Acts 15:13-21)
- Paul spoke to James and the elders. (Acts 21:18-25)
- James is mentioned in Galatians 2.9 as a pillar of the church.
James’ transformation from a skeptic to a devout follower of Christ is a testament to the power of faith. He witnessed the great things that the Lord had done and was inspired to share his story with others. Like James, we too can grow in our faith and become pillars of the church, spreading the teachings of Christ to those around us.
Are you willing to share your story and grow in your faith, just like James did?
Just some thoughts,
In this series of articles, we will explore the meaning of being a Christian, as described in the book of James. We will start by examining the origins of the term “Christian” and its significance to followers of Christ.
The term “Christian” is used three times in the Bible; Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16. Each time the word is used, it refers to a follower of Christ. Regardless of their origin or location, disciples of Christ began to wear the name of Christian and were recognized by others as being “followers of Christ.”
Before the term “Christian” was used, followers of Christ were known as people of the “Way.” This term was commonly used to describe someone who followed the teachings of Christ, as we can see in verses such as Acts 9:2, 19:9, 19:23, and 22:4.
In a commentary on Acts 9.4, A. T. Robertson says,
“It is a Jewish definition of life as in Isa_40:3 “the way of the Lord,” Psa_1:6 “the way of the righteous,” “the way of the wicked.” Jesus called himself “the way” (Joh_14:6), the only way to the Father. The so-called Epistle of Barnabas presents the Two Ways. The North American Indians call Christianity the Jesus Road.” (A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures on Acts 9.4)
In conclusion, the term “Christian” has its origins in the early followers of Christ, who were known for their devotion to his teachings. As Christians today, we are called to continue this tradition and follow the Way of Christ.
Are you ready to embark on this journey?
Just a thought,
For thousands of years, people have searched for answers. Some are searching for the meaning of life, while others are searching for a simple answer to a simple question.
When we are searching for answers, where do you go? Google? A friend? The Bible?
When you have a Bible question, where do you look?
Dr. Malcolm Kendrick told an Eastern Tale that tells of the search for truth. *
A traveler passing through a village spotted a man on the ground, obviously searching for something. Wanting to help, the stranger stopped and asked what he was trying to find. The man explained he’d lost his key.
Together they searched through the dust and leaves for more than an hour but found nothing. The traveler asked the old man if he was sure the key had been lost in this area. The elder told his new friend, “Oh, no! I lost it in my house.”
Irritated by the waste of time, the traveler demanded, “Then why are we looking out here?” The wise man, who used such opportunities to teach others, replied, “Because out here the light is so much better for looking.”
*The Great Cholesterol Con, Malcolm Kendrick, 2007, p. 206
Many people look where they are comfortable instead of the place to find the genuine answers. God has provided us all things for life and godliness (2 Peter 1.3) and the words of the Bible are written so we may believe (John 20.31).
How much time are you spending searching the Bible for life’s answers?
Are you searching the Bible more than Google?
Just a thought,
The walls of the pit must have seemed higher than a building as it blocked out the sun while his brothers looked down at him. The only thing he had done was to share the dreams he had over the past few nights. His brother became furious at his interpretation of the dreams. His brothers disliked the more he obeyed his father. Now, he is in a pit… just waiting.
The next step would take him farther from home. His brothers ended up selling him to slave traders. He ended up being sold again to the captain of the military guard in Egypt. Now he was a servant in a foreign land far from home. In a short time, he went from being the most loved son of his father to being a servant in a God-less kingdom.
Even though he was in a foreign land, the Lord watched over him and brought him to a place of prominence in the empire. Long story short, he ended up in prison for doing what was right. His choice of the right thing ended up putting him in the wrong place.
How can a man stay true to who he is called to be when, at every height, there is a rocky bottom?
Whether a pit or a foreign prison, he was at the bottom again?
What do you do when everyone turns their back on you?
- Joseph stayed faithful. The Lord blessed Joseph in prison and each blessing brought him success. (Genesis 39.21-23)
- Joseph uses his abilities. Not only was Joseph faithful, but he used his gifts to bless those around him. (Genesis 40.1-15)
- Joseph remembered God. As God remembered Joseph, Joseph remembered the way God had blessed him and he looked into the future. (Genesis 41.50.52)
Just some thoughts,
