Avoiding Anger Overload in the Digital Age

Consider this…

I have been thinking through this entire article, but there is one quote that I have been carefully considering from Jonathan Edwards that he wrote 300 years ago:

“The real strength of the good soldier of Jesus Christ is simply the steadfast maintenance of a holy calmness . . . sustained amidst all the storms, injuries, wrong behavior, and unexpected acts and events in this evil and unreasonable world. The Scripture seems to intimate that true fortitude consists chiefly of this: ‘He that is slow to anger, is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit, than he that takes a city’ (Prov. 16:32).”

I think this quote and especially that proverb is clearly applicable to right now, in this season. I am watching too many people in our church and outside our church lose their minds on social media. Based on the constant flow of conspiracy theories being shared, expression of anger and frustration, and the mockery of government authorities, I am concerned about the spirit of our people and especially Christians who should be ruled by the Holy Spirit. 

I am not saying it is easy. My own emotions and response has been disappointing at times. Repentance has been required at times. I agree, this is a frustrating time. We are confused about what we are facing and how we are facing it, but that does not excuse our "lack of holy calmness". 

Can we please process more carefully before we give full vent to our emotions and quickly hit the share button or comment without thinking or testing? Should we care more about the reputation of Jesus Christ or protecting our constitutional rights? Can we think about the person before we slay them publicly for our presumptuous conclusion on their "agenda"? Can we think about our Christian witness before we parade our "freedom of speech"? 

I will conclude this time of considering with the same words that ended this article: "In a world that constantly dares us to rant and rave about all manner of things, Christ-followers should instead “keep calm and carry on,” staying diligent in discipleship, committed to community, faithful in worship, and focused in mission." 

More time focusing more on discipleship, community, worship and mission. That will be more helpful to your soul, the souls of the people around you, and to the name of Jesus Christ. If you have read this far, I want to encourage you to share in the comments one adjustment you are going to make to step away from social media to focus on finding a "holy calm".