DO NOT YIELD TO PRESSURE TO SPEAK ON EVERY PUBLIC ISSUE
Almost everyday when you come on social media or go on the MSM, there is one issue or the other trending over which people are tearing out their hair and flinging dust in the air. I’m not implying by these imageries that these issues are never important. I’m just painting a picture of how expressive folks are with their outrage.
Then as this is going on, some people take it upon themselves to call out those who haven’t weighed in. The idea is that anyone with a platform and some form of influence must speak strongly on every matter that arises, otherwise they are supporting evil or injustice.
First of all, I’d like to say that as Christians, our first instinct should not be to judge matters or even say anything without praying about them and receiving direction from God. Speaking in the heat of the moment or based on media reports is not always the best response to whatever is going on in the world.
Don’t allow the media to whip you into a frenzy over anything.
The anger of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God, the Bible says, and our primary desire should be for God’s will and righteousness, not for the world’s or the media’s definition of social justice. The Bible also says that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
So until the Lord tells you what to say, steer clear of every controversy. If He tells you to sit an issue out, do not give in to pressure to make a statement no matter the kind of threat or blackmail used. In fact, be sensitive enough to stay away from the media when God asks you to. Your first duty is to God, not to men. And you will not miss anything you’ll regret, you’ll only be saving yourself from stuff you may not have the grace to handle or endure.
Although you may have a voice and you earnestly want to use it for good, things are not always what they seem and you are not the only voice. There are issues that God has put a burden on some people’s hearts about and He has been speaking to them about it. When those issues appear on the front burner of public discourse, they will be better equipped to address them. Your role may just be to listen and possibly share what they say.
Do not try to stay relevant by jumping into every fray that occurs. Otherwise, you may say something that furthers the devil’s agenda in your fleshly effort to do good. But keep your prayer altar hot and cry to God about matters that emerge and those He burdens your heart with.
People often forget the power of prayer in today’s world where everyone wants to answer the roll call on social media and in the MSM. Don’t give in to that temptation.
May the Lord bless you continually as you serve Him and humanity through the power of communication, whether you’re a Christian minister, artiste, citizen journalist, blogger, podcaster, social media influencer or whatever. Amen in Jesus’ name.
(First published on Facebook- Edith Ugochi Ohaja and Aunty Edith on June 5, 2020.)
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Thank you so much Ma. This piece is very timely. Most times, some people do not even have enough facts to back up certain claims and assertions they spit out. Calming down and thinking deep is always the best rather than jumping up to be “a social media activist”.
Glad to hear from you, Oby! And you’re right. That is why the Bible says we should be quick to listen but slow to speak and get angry. Stay blessed, my dear!
Facts! Most times we jump to comment on one thing or the other. Probably to stay relevant on social media but it’s wrong. We should pray about it because there is power in prayer and take directions from God. Our priority is God not Man!
Thank you very much ma for this writing, it explains a whole lot of things ❤️??
Glad you found it helpful. You are highly blessed in Jesus’ name.
As Christians we should be sensitive enough to know when to stop. In this writing I am taught not to yield to pressure to speak on every public issue. We should pray about it and get directives from God. Thanks for this ma.
Have a great new week ahead, Lillian!
Good Morning ma, just the other day I had to force myself out of Facebook since it seemed every post was screaming “Gloria comment on Me ” as I scrolled through the feed. Thank you for this post. Social Media is a platform where one can stand for something but not all at a time. You know I Love you right? I miss you so much as well. ❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣
Love you too, Gloria! We need to remind ourselves of who we are and not lose our heads over the daily commotion on social media. Happy Sundsy and much blessings to you in Jesus’ name.
This is very true. Sometimes all we need to do is just observe, pray about the situation if need be and continue scrolling. Not everything needs an input, calmness in all situations is very vital. Thank you so much ma for this. I miss you so much!
I miss you too, Chioma! Thanks for dropping by and remain blessed!
Amen! What you shared is so true. We really need wisdom so as to discern when and how to speak as Christians. We also need to know when to be silent. Thank you so much Ma for sharing this. May the Lord help us to be constantly reminded of this scripture —“Whatever you do in WORD or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Colossians 3:17).
A lot has been happening, there has been outrage on a whole lot of issues on social media. As much as it is important to speak on them to show our support or where we stand, it is also right that we have a full understanding about the social discourse before commenting on it. It is tempting to take a side but it is wiser to understand what it is about. It is important to stop ourselves from commenting just because we have to.
Not just on various social media platforms but during several group discussions, people speak on issues they have basically no knowledge of leading to more harm than good.
It is a pity I’m only reading this now. I’m sure I would have made different decisions if I had come across this earlier.
In times as this where issues like racism and political controversies are topical, people are pressured to lend a voice to these matters. Hastily yielding to such impulses very often leads to errors because like you said here, the best response may not be given and you could be wrong. This has sure spared me the mental stress that these issues try to force on me. Thank you, ma.
This is very important. Before we jump into speaking about public issues especially controversial ones, we should be patient enough to examine the issue very well before offering our voices because there are many sides to a story. This will save us from making terrible mistakes we would like to forget.
It is also not mandatory that you speak in every issue. At controversial issues you seem to find difficult discerning, leave them. Don’t try to force it
I totally agree with this. Seek confirmation from the lord before commenting or risk commenting something insensitive and get dragged on the Internet. I feel people should only talk about things that they are really passionate about, not every post or opinion deserves a response from you. Sometimes you just have to sit back with a glass of fine wine and watch the back and forth between two strangers on the Internet without adding your two cents.
If you are not instructed by the holy spirit to talk,don’t talk. But some people would ignore him just because they want to be found relevant, at the end the day they jeopardize their self.
Thank you so much Ma, This is the more reason why one need to put God first in all that one do, not everything on social media is real and one must not speak on everything, some things are better left unsaid.
It is really hard to control one’s self from trying to contribute in public issues especially taunting ones
Listen before you speak and don’t just speak on everything because you feel you have a voice and should use it”
? A golden advice for every sensible human. Thank you Ms Edith❤️