Stop Scrolling and Start Following

I had been doing some night-time social media scrolling. The kids were in bed, and I finally felt like I had a minute to myself. Of course, instead of devoting that time to something fulfilling, productive, or emotionally healthy—I turned to my phone.

A particularly alarming headline was circulating that day on Twitter. I saw a talking-head video clip saying something inflammatory followed by the reactionary rush of whooping and cheers of agreement and the critical commentary and disagreement. Insults were thrown around. There were follow-up opinions, debates, name-calling, righteous anger, and unnecessary generalizations. From every side of the issue came both reasoned arguments but mostly, straight insults and anger.

It was the best of times (online) and the worst of times (online). I'm paraphrasing Charles Dickens here.

My heart started to race, and my face felt hot. I was outraged! I was scandalized! But mostly I was confused.

This particular debate of the day was around a political issue. I saw sweeping generalizations, and it appeared you were either lumped into the "us" or the "them" category. I read statements made from individuals with large platforms making proclamations of truth. Many apologists chimed in and stated that Church teaching was clear on the particular issue. But then others made similar arguments of accuracy and validity from the other side of the equation.

Talk about whiplash.

Today's reading from 1 Timothy is clear:

"Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes" (6:3-4).

Boom.

So, I reminded myself then and I remind myself now, stop scrolling and turn to the Gospel. Jesus has given us the answers. Follow Him.

Was there ever a time you were so confused about the conflicting information online? Turn to Him in the Word. He's waiting for you there.

Jesus has given us the answers. // @substance_soulClick to tweet

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