Approved ~ MJM
I believe in the Scriptural admonition that, to the best of our abilities, we Christians should live at peace with all men. Yes, of course, I understand that doesn’t preclude the use of rhetorical tactics like satire, sarcasm, and even scorn. Highlighting the absurdity of life lived in rebellion to God is something that the faithful have done effectively since the days of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
Even famed abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass knew the value of such an approach as he confronted the moral treachery of slavery nearly two centuries ago:
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At a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed. O! Had I the ability, and could I reach the nation’s ear, I would, today, pour out a fiery stream of biting ridicule, blasting reproach, withering sarcasm, and stern rebuke. For it is not light that it is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder.
There is a time when such an approach is most effective, provided that we Christians are properly discerning our motives.
“Am I seeking to embarrass and humiliate others in an attempt to puff myself up, or am I truly desirous of exposing the foolishness of evil in order to glorify God?”
This is always a wise question to ask prior to unleashing our tongue or its typing proxies.
It is essential that Christians remember that Jesus taught the “peacemakers” are blessed, particularly in a social media culture where lofting rhetorical bombs has never been so simple nor so enticing.
But there is an equally important attribute for believers wanting to navigate the tumultuous ideological environment we find ourselves in, and that is to refuse to allow Satan to turn our Christian humility into weakness or passivity.
Continued…
