I am not really sure what happened or when it really happened, but there are just too many “wanna be” Christians on social media these days!

I am blessed to know many people, I have many acquaintances and friends on social media and they come from all walks of life from people working in the government, overseas, professionals, athletes, active and retired military and more, but I have hit the proverbial wall.

I have been good, much to own surprise! I haven’t been blasting back on their posts, calling them out, etc. I went through that phase with a select few and then you realize that no matter how much you want to show them they are off track and not being a good witness, they fight back with talk like; “we need to warn them, people need to know the truth about, this is war and we must win, Americans are under attack.” this list goes on and on.

Depending on what lens you are looking through, some or all of those might “feel” true to you, but if you call yourself a Christian, you better think again.

How many times are you going to blast our current or former president and think people aren’t watching your actions and replies? They know you as a “Christian” but are you behaving like one? I mean are you really acting like a follower of Christ or are you acting as a follower of man? Ouch? I hope so!

How many times are you going to belittle a city for how they are handling a crisis? How many times are you going to stand up and scream at your television just how horrible a sports team and even go as far saying they “stink” – cleaned it up a bit. How many times are you going to scream the governor is horrible, the mayor is rotten, your boss is ignorant, etc.? Again, are you really being a good witness? Are you showing the world what the world acts like or how Christ would act?

While you are so preoccupied with your “battle” for a better political America or whatever the battle you think you are in, you (we) are losing people to hell! What is really sad is that the church and some church leaders are joining this “cause” as if they have something to win, missing they have people to win to Jesus.

What I find interesting is that I have been feeling this way for a few years now, but it seems that few, including myself, are speaking out as it gets tiring being “beat down” by so called friends, etc. I have been wanting to write on this for a long time, but just couldn’t figure out “my why.” Why would I do this and open myself up to more criticism? Well, I have found my footing back, my why, and found that in the Word of God! 1 Peter 4:14 says: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.  However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” And then in Philippians 1:27-28 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you” Then finally, Luke 21:12-15 you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so, you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict”

I just read the following this morning in a new book that has come out – Not in It to Win It, by Andy Stanley. “The church or church leader who aligns with a political party is disqualified from Jesus’s “you.” If that describes you, that should concern you. It certainly concerns me. So, one more time. With feeling. Saving America is not the mission of the church. The moment our love or concern for country takes precedence over our love for the people in our country, we are off mission. When saving America diverts energy, focus, and reputation away from saving Americans, we no longer qualify as the ekklesia of Jesus. We’re merely political tools. A manipulated voting demographic. A photo op. Again, we lose our elevated position as the conscience of the nation. We give up the moral and ethical high ground. As Tim Keller writes, “When the church as a whole is no longer seen as speaking to questions that transcend politics, and when it is no longer united by a common faith that transcends politics, then world sees strong evidence that Nietzsche, Freud, and Marx were right, that religion is really just a cover for people wanting to get their way in the world.”

People, it’s time to get back to the basics here! I keep hearing that “they” want us distracted from the truth, “they” will show us what is really happening, keep your eyes open, “he” is coming back and more junk like this fills our social media every day.

YES! You are being distracted!! But what you are not paying attention to is that the distraction is coming from the devil and he has many Christians off their real mission. You are so concerned about “America, sports, wall street, politics, etc.” that you are missing the BIG PICTURE. People are not hearing about Jesus, they are not seeing Christ in action and it is because you have chosen other causes that seem important, but are they?

Am I concerned about all of those other causes? Yes. But instead of spending so much time spreading hate, fear, false hopes, dreams and more, I choose to talk to people and encourage them, lift them up, pray with and for them. I get to pray for Americans and the system that is not perfect. Can I go down that “rabbit hole” and talk conspiracy, plots, etc.? Yep, I am writing to this to me just as much as you!

You’ve heard this before; “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. “– Ephesians 6:12

When do you decide to put down that weapon of fear, hate, false encouragement, following false prophets and more? When will you “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” – Ephesians 6:11 And when will you finally see that what you really need to be doing is: “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 and not post your political hopes and agendas or how the city should do this or the government do that?

Time is running short. Will you be someone that will be recognized as a follower of Christ or simply a “follower” of man?

Thanks for stopping by the fire ~ Pastor Dennis