So here we are, associating ourselves with an alternative message, trying to make a clear distinction between the mainstream media lies and what we have to say. Some of us claim to be distinctly Christian, even embracing an alternative version of Christian religion that disparages the mainstream churchianity. We are the dissident voices trying to refresh the ancient biblical message of Christ, trying to tear down the artificial barriers that make religion just another category of human activity. We want to press the lordship claims of Christ over every facet of human existence.
So, why do we see so little effort on trying to seek the lost sheep of the Lord?
I’ve noticed a lot of folks in alternative social media, the alt-right in particular, who militantly refuse to discuss any kind of redemptive effort. They do pretty good at presenting an excellent clear model of righteousness, until it gets to the part where we deal with people who want it but aren’t quite there, and don’t know where to go next.
Do you remember the Woman at the Well? Whatever else you draw from that narrative, it must include the patience Jesus had with the woman’s false understanding of things. Jesus got rough with the Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees (whipping the crooked concessionaires in the Court of Gentiles around Passover). Still, He took the time to minister to people who were just lost and needed some encouragement. He had fellowship with penitent low-life types, along with the likes of Nicodemus.
Why do we not see that kind of thing in the message of the alternative social media writers? I’m not suggesting a busy blog author needs to answer all queries. I’m saying they need to be more graceful in dealing with those who have a long path to walk. Some of your posts need to focus on redemptive guidance. If you have a clear vision of where people should be in their hearts, can you at least now and then offer a little advice on how to get there?
Along with a couple of other writers, I keep pushing the necessity of restoring some measure of the ancient Hebrew perspective to which Jesus called His nation. We need to know what Jesus the man was thinking, and it starts with at least a grasp on the Ancient Near East in general. A major part of that was how men with any measure of authority at all were moved by the high value they placed on people under their authority. The greatest treasure of an ancient Hebrew man was the people within his domain.
If you are going to exercise the authority to broadcast your moral path to others, you must also take some measure of responsibility for those who consume that broadcast. I know what a hassle it can be; that’s part of our fallen condition. Still, to shut off all access simply because it’s inconvenient means you need to stop pumping out more than you can follow up on. If you can’t help people make it work, then you have done them no favors by sharing your wisdom.
So, basically you need to shut up and stop yakking endlessly if you can’t take under your wings at least a few folks who will testify that you actually know a thing or two about the subject. Either be a shepherd or stop pretending you should lead.
