I took the bait.
I think most of us believe Satan’s primary mode of attack is going after us in those areas in which we struggle the most. Of course, we all have certain sins that seem to plague us. Lust, greed, anger, the list is extensive, and every Believer certainly struggles with something. And while I do believe our enemy does stalk us, waiting for an opportunity to trip us up in those weak areas, I’m beginning to realize the snake is far more cunning than we realize. Indeed, he is an opportunist, and will certainly work with whatever foothold he can in his effort to steal from, kill, and destroy God’s beloved children.
For quite some time now, I’ve been convinced that it is my civic responsibility to fight hard as a voice for conservative values in this country. Of course, “the fight” if you can call it that, generally consists of an endless litany of hard-nosed Facebook posts cast forth from the comfort of my easy chair. I guess that’s how the common folk do battle in the world today for the most part. All in an attempt to capture “the win” for “our side”. The problem with this as you already know is that important aspects of communication such as context and tone are difficult to discern with a Facebook post. Often times, what we say may be taken in a number of ways, and in fact, may be the complete opposite of our intended message. Then again, there are times where these posts of ours are taken exactly as we intend others to take them, even when we know it might hurt someone, we tend to brush it off. After all, it’s just “a post” stating our “oh so valuable” insights and opinions. The problem with all of this is that we all know we would rarely if ever converse face to face with anyone the way we boldly do sitting behind our keyboards. And that is the rub! We now live in a world where “posting” our thoughts with no sense of responsibility for our words has almost completely replaced the discretion we would normally utilize with face to face conversation.
I can see him now. Satan dropping “bread crumbs” along our path. Yes indeed, we get online and we see those crumbs/posts and somehow become enamored by them. Our focus moves from Jesus to those delicate little tidbits of opinion and propaganda. And so we follow them, crumb after crumb. It starts out with a comment, and often times quickly moves to a heated debate, an all-in attempt to “win” the argument at all costs! Crumb after crumb, we gobble them up quickly until all of the sudden we say that which should not have been said. We hit that “post” button, and then, ever so softly, we hear the faint sound of a glee filled chuckle. The chuckle of the enemy who just smiles and rejoices at how easily he can manipulate the children of God. If he can divide, he can certainly conquer. You’d think we would not fall for his baiting schemes. You’d think we’d learn our lesson at some point, but rarely do we. After all, it’s just a simple “post”.
The reality is, that’s pretty much how Satan works in every situation in which he is involved in a fail or a fall. He’s got a pocket full of “bread crumbs”, and he knows our “flavor” of choice. All eyes on the trail of crumbs, only to suddenly look up and wonder, “How in the world did we end up here?”
I’m tired of it. Tired of taking “the bait”. I think we all are, and yet what to do?
How do we stop taking “the bait”?
Entire books have been written on the subject. “Five easy steps”, “Ten easy steps”, and so forth. And yet, the answer to our dilemma remains the same today as it did with the saints of old.
Jesus.
The more we press into the King, the more He can lavish His love on us, and thus, we are transformed into people who look less for bread crumbs, and more for His presence and great love. When we are satisfied with the only one who can satisfy, the power, His power to keep us focused on truth will dull our appetite for the stale crumbs of our enemy.
With that, I say this: I am not suggesting trying harder to avoid controversy/arguments. I know all too well that “trying” equates to temporary victory at best, but generally ends in defeat. Trusting in who Christ is in us, and in what He has already accomplished for us is the ONLY path to victory.
I took the bait. I posted my version of the truth for the sake of winning, and ended up empty and frustrated. Truth will always be truth, but truth used to chalk up “the win” for “my side” is nothing more than vile hatred disguised as brotherly love. And for my contribution to the social media cesspool of ideas…I am indeed quite sorry!
Bottom line:
Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Post all you want, but before you do, make sure you’re not munching on a mouthful of bread crumbs.
I think most of us believe Satan’s primary mode of attack is going after us in those areas in which we struggle the most. Of course, we all have certain sins that seem to plague us. Lust, greed, anger, the list is extensive, and every Believer certainly struggles with something. And while I do believe our enemy does stalk us, waiting for an opportunity to trip us up in those weak areas, I’m beginning to realize the snake is far more cunning than we realize. Indeed, he is an opportunist, and will certainly work with whatever foothold he can in his effort to steal from, kill, and destroy God’s beloved children.
For quite some time now, I’ve been convinced that it is my civic responsibility to fight hard as a voice for conservative values in this country. Of course, “the fight” if you can call it that, generally consists of an endless litany of hard-nosed Facebook posts cast forth from the comfort of my easy chair. I guess that’s how the common folk do battle in the world today for the most part. All in an attempt to capture “the win” for “our side”. The problem with this as you already know is that important aspects of communication such as context and tone are difficult to discern with a Facebook post. Often times, what we say may be taken in a number of ways, and in fact, may be the complete opposite of our intended message. Then again, there are times where these posts of ours are taken exactly as we intend others to take them, even when we know it might hurt someone, we tend to brush it off. After all, it’s just “a post” stating our “oh so valuable” insights and opinions. The problem with all of this is that we all know we would rarely if ever converse face to face with anyone the way we boldly do sitting behind our keyboards. And that is the rub! We now live in a world where “posting” our thoughts with no sense of responsibility for our words has almost completely replaced the discretion we would normally utilize with face to face conversation.
I can see him now. Satan dropping “bread crumbs” along our path. Yes indeed, we get online and we see those crumbs/posts and somehow become enamored by them. Our focus moves from Jesus to those delicate little tidbits of opinion and propaganda. And so we follow them, crumb after crumb. It starts out with a comment, and often times quickly moves to a heated debate, an all-in attempt to “win” the argument at all costs! Crumb after crumb, we gobble them up quickly until all of the sudden we say that which should not have been said. We hit that “post” button, and then, ever so softly, we hear the faint sound of a glee filled chuckle. The chuckle of the enemy who just smiles and rejoices at how easily he can manipulate the children of God. If he can divide, he can certainly conquer. You’d think we would not fall for his baiting schemes. You’d think we’d learn our lesson at some point, but rarely do we. After all, it’s just a simple “post”.
The reality is, that’s pretty much how Satan works in every situation in which he is involved in a fail or a fall. He’s got a pocket full of “bread crumbs”, and he knows our “flavor” of choice. All eyes on the trail of crumbs, only to suddenly look up and wonder, “How in the world did we end up here?”
I’m tired of it. Tired of taking “the bait”. I think we all are, and yet what to do?
How do we stop taking “the bait”?
Entire books have been written on the subject. “Five easy steps”, “Ten easy steps”, and so forth. And yet, the answer to our dilemma remains the same today as it did with the saints of old.
Jesus.
The more we press into the King, the more He can lavish His love on us, and thus, we are transformed into people who look less for bread crumbs, and more for His presence and great love. When we are satisfied with the only one who can satisfy, the power, His power to keep us focused on truth will dull our appetite for the stale crumbs of our enemy.
With that, I say this: I am not suggesting trying harder to avoid controversy/arguments. I know all too well that “trying” equates to temporary victory at best, but generally ends in defeat. Trusting in who Christ is in us, and in what He has already accomplished for us is the ONLY path to victory.
I took the bait. I posted my version of the truth for the sake of winning, and ended up empty and frustrated. Truth will always be truth, but truth used to chalk up “the win” for “my side” is nothing more than vile hatred disguised as brotherly love. And for my contribution to the social media cesspool of ideas…I am indeed quite sorry!
Bottom line:
Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Post all you want, but before you do, make sure you’re not munching on a mouthful of bread crumbs.
