Tuesday, February 25, 2014

My Twitter Tales

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."   ... Ephesians 6:12


*****


So I never told you this, but, awhile ago, I joined Twitter. 

Yet wait! Many are my disclaimers.

1.) I only do Twitter on my computer since I'm radically cell phone challenged and know only enough to, after mild aggravation, make a phone call.

2.) I never send messages (tweet?) because a.) It's complicated for me and I barely understand what's going on there, b.) I can't think of clever things to say in so few characters (and oh, the pressure to sound clever there), c.) For whatever reason, I feel Twitter-shy (probably because of a. and b.) and prefer to be just a Twitter stalker watcher.

I know, why even join? So to follow a few Christian actors. That's it, (well, not counting a couple Christian teachers). I learn much from their reactions to both personal affronts and political ones affecting our freedoms.

One actor who I follow, earlier (before I joined), mentioned simply that he is a Christian and lost hundreds of followers that day. Yet his friend, another Christian actor, backed him up, supported him openly on Twitter and gained his friend more followers than he'd lost.

Viewing courage in action, even on Twitter? I thrive on that. It's nearly like watching Braveheart again, especially when actors--super easy targets in today's We Own You world--confess their faith aloud knowing (but not the full extent) that the backlash will affect them professionally and personally in ways we 'common folks' will never understand.

Anyway.

So while these actors on Twitter stand-up for God's principles, I watch and feel a new sort of bravery seep into my bones. And that's good.

Yet, there's one thing that bugs me. It's when these folks forget just who is behind all the evil in this world and they begin naming names, instead. And poking sarcastic fun at those people whose god is not, well, God. 

People who need Him.
People who cluelessly, blindly, have believed a lie.
People who will land in hell unless they find Jesus.

Oh, in this Life there is black and white, yes! But there are also fine lines we mistake in crossing and balance and compassion and remembering that sin began in a long ago garden, not in Today's deceived politicians or actors or others.

There is standing tall for Truth! And there is also living that truth, ourselves, humbly, and with the compassion Jesus died to give us, so we could spread that powerful love everywhere. Yes, even on Twitter.


*******

“Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever.” Psalm 44:5

“This is the word of the Lord ...  ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts. Zechariah 4:6


Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 
—Ephesians 6:14–15 


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Debra, well said!

Julie

Debra said...

Julie--thank-you for your encouragement! It means much to me and made my whole day. Blessings, Debra