A Call Back to Truth
The past five years has taken America to whole new heights of social interaction. With constant negative and slanderous conversation between individuals, how can we go back to civility and decency? In Psalms 15, there is an emphasis on truth and righteousness, which is something it seems America has forgotten. Verse two states “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” This came after the question is asked who shall be able to dwell with God?
Our consumption of visual media is almost insatiable, and most of the main stream news sources has had nothing but slanderous speech. Visual media is very powerful in influencing the thoughts and opinions of people, and this past political season has seen the distortion of truth. Verse three further defines how to walk in truth, when it says: “He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.” The first principle in walking in truth is minding your tongue and what you say to others.
The Scripture places great emphasis on how destructive the tongue can be and the results of not heeding this are taking place around us. It has become more and more easy to type slanderous content on social media, and this is mainly because we do not have to face that individual. We have to determine to have discipline when we listen to what people say, and even if we do not agree, have grace upon them.
The second principle stated is not doing evil, nor taking up reproach against our neighbor. Our neighbors involve the people around us and those we interact with on a daily basis. Common decency involves not being led around with our emotions and being so easily provoked to anger. It is ok to disagree, and despite what social media says, it is ok to disagree and still be friends. The temptation is to get worked up over something that ultimately does not matter in the end. Being angry over a comment on social media or even on the main stream news does help anyone, nor does it help our attitude. This greatly affects how we interact with people, and can cause a root of bitterness to spring up.
We need to focus on what is true and righteous, and we cannot go wrong. This kind of discipline can keep us from being caught up with so much vanity, and with the power of God, we can strive to be content. Instead of reacting too quickly to people, we need to take the extra second to think how we will respond next. Then choose the way that will please God.
