I think the social media revolution is intriguing, and to be honest I find myself getting pretty addicted! But what I find so interesting is that we can follow the trends and thought patterns of so many interesting people.
However, the other day I read a thought on Twitter that kind of knocked me …
I was shocked ...
Offended ...
This pretty well known South African personality had written a tweet that to me as a Christ follower was offensive!
My initial reaction was to take a stand!
Write some strong words back to him!
Or even hit him with a more powerful blow… “UNFOLLOW” him on Twitter!
Religious anger was rising up within me.
But …
I felt challenged. Is this how we as Christ followers should react to such situations? Should I get offended and counter react with harsh words, or should I engage and learn.
You see, as Christ followers and leaders we often hold truths and tools to help others follow a better way. But all too often we see others following a way that we know is destructive, or is offensive to our way, and instead of engaging we attack or withdraw.
In thinking about this I was reminded of a story, of someone who always showed a better way…
“Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by. When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?” Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.” Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham!”” (Luke 19:1-10)
Here was an offensive man, and you know what is fascinating, he was DESPERATE to see Jesus!
I wonder how many of those we find offensive are actually desperate for truth, to be shown a better way.
Jesus is inspiring here. He is truth, and he engages with Zaccaeus. He makes His truth and love personal. He does not judge or rebuke, he engages in an extremely warm and loving act.
When we get offended by those we are called to love and lead, how are we going to act?
Are we going to get indignant and grumpy?
Or are we going to engage?
I’m going to read my Bible in my one hand and my Twitter account in the other, because they need to meet!
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Don Muller has spent the last 4 years working into corporate and church leadership development and training both locally and internationally. He has a passion for and works towards seeing individuals live out their strengths and calling daily.