I gave up social media for Lent, so on Easter Sunday, with a full stomach after a delicious brunch, I settled in on the couch to see what I had been missing. At first, I enjoyed looking at the various Instagram posts made by my children; but the enjoyment ended there. It didn’t take long to see the unpleasant side of social media.
Under the veil of anonymity, some people have no problem becoming unpleasant, unkind, disrespectful, and downright rude! It makes me sad that so many think that kind of behavior is perfectly acceptable. There’s a song by Josh Wilson called Revolutionary – here’s a look at some of the lyrics…
Why does kindness seem revolutionary?
When did we let hate get so ordinary?
Let’s turn it around, flip the script
Judge slow, love quick
God help us get revolutionary
On Tuesday, April 9th, roughly half of the Hastings 9th graders will be at Resurrection all day for their annual Respect Retreat (the other half will go to a different location). These kids don’t know a life without social media – they see this hateful behavior on a regular basis. I’m happy steps are being taken to show these kids there is another option. At an early age I was taught “The Golden Rule” – love others as you love yourself. Let’s make sure as Christians we lead the way, modeling that life verse in all we do and say – in person AND online.
Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Julie