Thursday, January 12, 2017
We probably hear it on a daily basis and it is very likely that, at one time or another, we make use of it as well. I am referring to “sarcasm.” I believe that on occasions, sarcasm can be funny and maybe even harmless, but for the most part, it is mean spirited and often includes malice. I saw a report about the nationwide poll of the most annoying words people hear. The word “whatever” topped the list again for the 3rd straight year. I bet it annoys many of you when you hear it. In fact, in almost every instance, the person using it is being sarcastic. If you’ve employed it recently in one of your conversations, it is very likely you were not being nice. Do we really need to use the word at all?
As I have shared in the past, I am not a subscriber to Facebook, or any other social media outlet for that matter. Nevertheless, people often send me a copy of someone’s Facebook post, especially when it comes from a member of my family or church. To be fair, sometimes the posts are heartwarming and nice but for the most part they will contain language that is not convenient, sarcasm, cruelty, or even malice. While Facebook can be used to encourage, comfort, and make somebody’s day, it very often is used to criticize, slander, or belittle someone. The one topic of conversation that has topped all others lately and has brought out the worst in people, is the past presidential election. It bothers me when I read the nasty, sometimes even crude, remarks people make to every internet article about the elections, but not nearly as much as when I hear of Christians that are doing the same, especially if they are part of my “family.”
If anybody in your family or someone you know relishes in “getting into it” with others on Facebook about the past presidential elections, or any other issue, and are being like the world in general, please remind them who we are. Yes we are citizens, but we are God’s children first. We may have the right to disagree, but we don’t have the right to be nasty. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul gave us all this stern admonition: “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Eph. 5:3-4) I pray I didn’t give you the impression that I have never done such things. It is very possible that we sounded sarcastic to others and didn’t realize it. Nevertheless, the exhortation remains; lets be very careful when we have a conversation with others. Let’s remember all the people or groups we represent. We don’t want to make them look bad, do we? Above all things, may we never forget that we represent Christ. Now, after reading today’s blog, I hope none of you replied, “whatever.”
God’s word for today: (1 Peter 1:15) “But as He which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”
