Social media exists only in paradoxical form. On one hand it is a necessity, an immovable object. On the other hand, it is a pariah that enflames most societal problems. “Have you seen this influencer’s channel? I love it!” to “I have to get offline! It is just too much for my mental health right now.” Thus, the modern Christian is faced with a dilemma of sorts: leverage the ‘net’ or be culturally obsolete. But I would argue there is something worse at hand for the church. And that is the Christian so modern they become unloving, lukewarm, and loud. Case in point, the classic post from the religious teachers of our day: “If you voted for [enter politician’s name], then go ahead and unfollow me.” And I say “religious teachers of our day” because their expertise and conviction exceeds that of the Pharisees of old. And it exceeds so much that it leaves no room for their neighbor. But when you are so sure, why bother?
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP). It is the quintessential mission of the Christian: to live with such love and sincerity that it persuades our neighbor to know God for themselves. Paul’s word continue to exhort the believer to orient the entirety of their existence in the direction of the kingdom of heaven (a real place with a real King). Further, this “entirety of our existence” most definitely includes every one of our opinions about [enter politician’s name]. Imitation leaves no room for “unfollowing”. Imitation is the bar set high; it is the welcoming of not just attention, but scrutiny; it is the goal to disciple, not lecture. The “religious leaders of our day” are ordinary lay people, those with platforms, and anyone in between that confuses the gold of divine direction with the gold of human self righteous achievement. The former paves the way to eternal life. The latter is grounded into dust. Those that so confidently cast their neighbor aside because of a difference in opinions are those that have not ascended the mount to meet with their God. They may claim “Lord”, but do not be fooled by their zeal. It is as lifeless as a broken golden calf left at the base of a mountain. Or as some would say, it is as lifeless as [enter politician’s name].
