A Challenge

It is baffling, to say the least, the amount of fear and hate emanating from some Christians. Because Jesus was not a promoter of hate or fear, it does not make sense for his followers to spew out that which is unlovely. Perhaps those who do are spending less time studying the teachings of Jesus than they are absorbing news from other sources.

I understand the desire to not be isolated from the outside world (although there are many well-informed, well-adjusted folks who do try to insulate themselves from bad news, and they appear to be functioning just fine). But what is always needed is a willingness to achieve balance in all things, and in this case, a lot less negative and a whole lot more positive is in order. Less secular, more sacred.

As Christians, we are disciples (students) of Jesus. If time is not spent meditating on his goodness and desiring to learn more about and to practice the Way he proclaimed, then there is a great likelihood that, "the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things [will] enter in and choke the word, and it [will] become unfruitful." (Mark 4:19) If we allow only negative points of view into our thoughts day after day, eventually a negative view becomes our focus, and that focus can become an obsession. A follower of Jesus should be obsessed only with Jesus, not what the world or any politician or alleged pundit is doing or saying.

So here is a challenge for us all: For every minute spent listening to/reading bad news and negative opinions, let's spend at least an equal amount of time concentrating on something inspirational (I would particularly recommend the New Testament gospels), or even just fun; it wouldn't hurt any of us to lighten up a little.

And for those who share negative information about politics/politicians/government or religion (any religion), especially via email and on social network sites, try sending an equal number of links and comments which have something good to say, something which might make someone's day better, not worse.

Here's a good piece of advice from scripture: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:19)

I think we all need to step back and ask ourselves: What exactly is the purpose -- what is to be gained -- by concentrating on the negative?