IT IS AN UTTER SHAME. I used to care about what others thought about me. I used to be driven by the opinions and “likes” of men. I used to fall into despair when people thought things about me that were not true or accused me of having false motives. But I came to the conclusion a few years ago that it’s not my job to manage your opinion of me. I don’t have enough energy to try to defend myself against the scoffers of the world. I’m weary and battle fatigued from contending for the faith and I don’t know have the energy anymore to be consumed with what others think of me.
God has placed me in a unique position in the body and gifted with me with gifts to use for His purpose. I don’t answer to you, I answer to Him. I’m consumed with taking care of the flock He has given me. I am furiously protective of the people He has placed in my care. I am to guard the faith and contend for the Word. If you don’t like the way I do things, I have no control over that.
You will either heed my warnings and instruction or you won’t. They being said, I used to crave FB “likes”. There’s an actual physiological response that takes place when someone “likes” your post. Multiple studies have shown there’s a release of serotonin in the brain and creates a feeling of euphoria. You feel validated and affirmed when someone “likes” your post. FB is a funny place. True friendship does not exist online. People hide under the anonymity of a false name or face, or just the mere fact that they can write whatever they want and not have to look you in the eyes.
You cannot discern another’s motives from a FB post, never mind that you are not allowed to judge another’s motives in the first place. A lot of FB posts are taken out of context and people get in an uproar without knowing the full story. Thus falling into sin with their condemnation of you. False prophets and teachers are rampant on FB. A lot of dumb sheep “like” posts that they should take absolutely no part in, therefore giving their affirmation and validation to that person. This maybe done in ignorance, but that’s no excuse to affirm the lie.
What’s up with today’s word? I have an urgency to warn you of FB “friendships.” If you do not have a flesh and blood relationship with someone, tread carefully. I don’t care if you used to know them… do you know them now? Do you sit and talk with them weekly? Do you look them in the eyes and uncover their heart?
There are a lot of self-proclaimed false teachers on FB and they are going around “friending friends” in order to spread their lies and deceit. Of course all under the guise of Jesus, but it’s “another Jesus”. They attack true doctrine and are utterly unteachable. They are haughty and prideful. From such turn away. They won’t endure sound doctrine and you are sinning by affirming their posts. You are leading others to believe their lies. By your “like”, you affirm a sinful relationship, circumstance or doctrine. This is to your shame.
If you are so concerned about someone, call them up and take them out for coffee. Speak face to face. You are held accountable for what you “like” on FB. I’ll say that again, you are held accountable for what you “like” on FB (or any social media post). A fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Control your “likes” and don’t take part in the lie. “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.”1 Corinthians 15:33-34 ESV#runyourrace
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
