In Need of God’s Mercy
“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”” (Luke 18:9-14 ESV)
I don’t know about you, but I often times wonder how Jesus and His disciples would handle social media if they would have had access to it. Social Media is huge these days. Not only Facebook, but Twitter, Periscope, Pinterest and the like. What really gets me is we say things that might not be pleasing to the Lord.
I have to admit, I spend an hour each day on Facebook. Sometimes I get discouraged by the things that are being said. From political views to Christian views. I have many non-believing friends on Facebook. Does that mean that I won’t talk about Jesus. On the contrary, I share my faith. However, I do not attack anyone because their views might be different from my own.
You see, Jesus put it very plainly in Luke about being self-righteous. In Luke 18:9-14 Jesus is talking about the self-righteous Pharisee in the temple. The Pharisee was full of pride; how ‘good’ he was compared to the tax collector. Ouch…The tax collector humbled himself before God, confessing that he is a sinner. In Jesus’ eyes, the tax collector was justified before God. The tax collector admitted that he wasn’t righteous and that he was in need of God’s mercy.
I hope that I let Jesus’ light shine through my online presence. I cannot call myself righteous, because I am not. So, how can I judge someone else who does not know Jesus and His saving grace. My hope is that through my own testimony, I point to the One who can make us righteous.
Lord of mercy and grace. You alone are righteous. May I always let Your light shine through whatever I say and right. I want people to know that I have many faults, but that You have cleansed me through Your blood. In the precious name of my Lord and Savior, in the name of Jesus – Amen.
joining you in this prayer my friend.
Thank you sweet Denise.
Amen. Sometimes the social media drama discourages me and I take a break from time to time or limit my view of it. But I also realize that sometimes we have to take the gospel to the world. What better way than in our newsfeeds. I always want to shine the light of the Lord in all I do and say…and tweet, pin and update! (Good Word) ?
You are right, Laurie. It can get discouraging, but sometimes we just need to read over the negativity.