JUST KEEP SCROLLING. What’s with the trolls? Did you know you don’t have to enter every argument or discussion? Social media is notorious for arguments and dissensions. People get keyboard courage, especially now with so much isolation, hate and fear abounding.
For myself, I do my research and my teachings are bathed in prayer. I can be corrected, but not by somebody who doesn’t know me or have any kind of relationship with me. I imagine a lot of others feel the same way. The trolls that argue with our church are utterly astounding to me. I get on average one person a week say something negative to me about my daily. Mind you, I have never even met them. Just a reminder, social media is not real life.
Here’s a few guidelines: if you don’t like something or you disagree with someone, just keep scrolling. You do not need to say anything and they do not need to hear your opinion. If you do not know them, keep scrolling. A lot of communication is nonverbal: tone of voice and inflections in words, the way one moves their eyes, and body positioning. You don’t get any of this from social media.
You are not allowed to judge one’s heart or motives. If you do not know me, have spent mass amount of time with me, asking me about how I feel and think about things; then keep scrolling. Just because you attended my church a few times does not mean you know me. Just because you met someone a couple times does not mean you know them- keep scrolling.
If you feel someone needs to be corrected, ask yourself these questions: do you know them? Is what they are saying leading someone astray or do you just not like it or understand it? If you don’t understand, ask clarifying questions. Are you offended at what they posted? Why does it offend you? In my experience, people get offended because it often convicts them or their pride gets ruffled. If you think you still need to correct them, and you are really concerned, call them up. Because if you know them, you should have their phone number. Otherwise, just keep scrolling.
“But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels. And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome. 2 Timothy 2:23-24
“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,” 2 Timothy 2:14, 16
“Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.” Proverbs 26:17
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” Proverbs 29:11
“A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.” Proverbs 29:22
Don’t engage with the trolls. I have people in my life that correct me and I’m accountable to. I don’t need a random stranger who thinks it is their job to correct the universe. Criticism is not a gift of the Spirit. My Facebook page is not your safe place. I will delete your comment and block you if I don’t know you and you are rude. My peace is more important than your uninvited, argumentative verbal attacks.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page