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anger, blogging, internet culture, media, narratives, politics
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.…….Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4
I’m chuckling here, but in all my days on the internet having discussions and debates with assorted strangers, God has very nearly had to bellow those words into my ears. Honest to goodness, I was getting pounded on once and had the opportunity to fire back in kind, a perfect chance to completely demolish somebody’s argument, and God simply said, No. Be ye angry, and sin not.
What the heck?? Where’s the justice in that?? I had to sit on my hands. Literally. And bite my tongue.
I’ve taken it to heart however, and I’ve seldom slipped up. Things have gotten heated, I’ve snapped at people, but I try not to use harsh language, foul words, or vicious personal attacks. Has the favor been returned? Oh no! Threats, bullying, name calling, etc are quite common. IB sea worthy, if you get my drift.
First a note on, “Be ye angry, and sin not.” Anger is okay! It’s okay to get mad. It is a normal, healthy response to assorted injustices, like the injustice of having to share the planet with stupid people. You have a right to be angry about that. The problem however, is how we express our anger. Feelings can lead to actions. Anger is not an excuse for behavior. If you wouldn’t do it when you were calm, you can’t be doing it when you’re angry. Feelings don’t justify behavior.
At the time God was cleaning up my ahem, internet language and behavior, I had no idea why it mattered. A bit like a little kid, I just thought it was terribly unfair. I’ve since learned however, and it has paid off. For one, it takes a lot of emotional self discipline not to get angry and self discipline is always a good thing. Good for your blood pressure, too.
Also, three times I have been accused of bad things. The first time I held my breath thinking, I wonder what hostility they’ve screen-capped and plan to use against me? You know what the evidence against me was? “Peace. I have no desire to do battle with you. I’ll keep you in my prayers.” Yes, I said that. Pretty pathetic, huh? It’s almost laughable. Actually it’s downright embarrassing. I almost wish I’d said something less well, girly and gentle.
That is not the primary concern, however. The truth is that your words matter far more than you can even imagine. You will be heard. If you wish to win hearts and minds, speaking your truth as calmly and clearly as possible will resonate. You can bank on that. People have come to Christ because the truth of who Christ is was presented gently. People have changed their political views. People have gone on to research and discover there really were deceptions entwined in their beliefs. Marriages have been saved. Romances have started.
Never underestimate the power of that calm, rational voice speaking worlds of truth. It resonates far more than shrieking ever will.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying..
I often like to say, if you can lead a horse to water, you ought to be able to hold his head under the water and make him drink! What kind of a stupid horse doesn’t drink when he’s thirsty? The truth however, is that you can’t. You cannot force anybody to think or believe anything. You have to respect them enough and respect your own words enough, to let it go.
This is not a personal post directed towards anyone, actually it’s a political post. Political candidates, rising stars, have fallen because of a few hastily spoken angry words caught on tape. We’re living in a world comprised of nothing but narratives, mostly false narratives in the media. It is unfair, corrupt, and devious as all get go. However, it is a game we don’t have to play. Harsh perhaps, but those words could never have been caught on tape if they had never been said.
Recently we became aware of some paid provocateurs that preyed on people’s anger and helped to inspire the Ferguson riots. That is appalling, but it wouldn’t have worked if people hadn’t been nursing so much misdirected rage just waiting for someone to capture and channel it. …let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil….
People are being played all over the country. There is social engineering going on everywhere and the goal is always to control the narrative. People are free to do whatever they want, I’m just saying, that’s a game you can’t win if you don’t play smart.
****This is a repost on account of the fact that there really are these provocateurs, these trolls, sometimes Russian but not always, who are on the internet and actively attempting to sow division and stir up civil unrest, especially around racial matters. I’ve been saying this since forever, because I’ve bumped into them. They create narratives, they pit different groups against one another, they make things up. Don’t believe everything you think.
Reblogged this on Nevada State Personnel Watch.
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Thank you for the reblog.
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http://www.salvationandsurvival.com/2015/05/forecast-for-our-future.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+salvationandsurvival%2FBhMK+%28Salvation+And+Survival%29
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Those are some wise and truthful words IB, very well written too. Your phrase “being played” is very appropriate as that’s exactly what’s happening! Once you realize it, it’s so obvious but unfortunately many are too vested with their own fixed narratives to ever see it. There are some though that do which makes it all worth it.
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“the injustice of having to share the planet with stupid people.” LOVED THIS statement.
Lots of good points.
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Perfect! Bravo IB. Well spoken.
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As an aside IB, I have a new guest post over at Cordelia’s Mom’s http://cordeliasmomstill.com/2015/06/01/elizabeth-and-ute-guest-post-by-paul-curran/ I would be honored if you had time to drop by for a read. Thank You
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http://beforeitsnews.com/conspiracy-theories/2015/05/jade-helms-role-in-the-90-reduction-in-us-population-as-predicted-by-the-cia-and-the-obama-administration-2470068.html?utm_campaign=Evening%20Edition%3A%20%20Jade%20Helm%E2%80%99s%20Role%20in%20the%2090%25%20Reduction%20in%20US%20Population%20As%20Predicted%20By%20the%20CIA%20and%20the%20Obama%20Administration.%20And%20more…&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_term=Jade%20Helm%E2%80%99s%20Role%20in%20the%2090%25%20Reduction%20in%20US%20Population%20As%20Predicted%20By%20the%20CIA%20and%20the%20Obama%20Administrationcampaign
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“I often like to say, if you can lead a horse to water, you ought to be able to hold his head under the water and make him drink! What kind of a stupid horse doesnβt drink when heβs thirsty? The truth however, is that you canβt.”
So true. Sometimes God simply places us there to salt the oats. π
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Lots of good advice in this post! Thanks for the reminder. π
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Reblogged this on Christian Heritage News & Commentary.
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Thank you for the reblog π
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You’re welcome! π
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PLEASE MAKE THIS ONE VIRAL:
http://www.dcclothesline.com/2015/05/31/want-to-feed-the-homeless-that-will-be-400-please/“
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Thanks IB for some good reminders. I know you weren’t directing it to a person necessarily, but sometimes the people who need to hear…hear, or read. So, thanks
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βBe ye angry, and sin not.β
If you are angered by a fool shouting at you, do not answer like a fool, stay calm because if you start shouting back, all you will hear are two fools shouting at each other.
Regards and goodwill blogging..
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In an age of partisan politics and internet trolls, this is a sage advice. Thanks for the reminder.
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I love that @like the injustice of having to share the planet with stupid people. That’s hilarious, and real.
Great post IB.
π
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The purpose of anger is to inform us that something is wrong.
The more grave the wrong, the greater the anger.
However, dating back over 3000 years to Homer’s, Illiad, the Western Heritage (which includes Christianity) teaches that rage and pride lead to utter ruin.
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Interesting point, Silence. Christianity does indeed teach us to temper our rage, revenge, pride, etc. Without Christianity, I can give no argument as to why you should not bounce a tea cup off of some yahoos head. π
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Insanity,
Truly. In all other civilizations except Christian Western Civilization, justice was always the advantage of the strong.
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Justice is probably still the advantage of the strong, Silence, but I do so love the ideals we try to embrace. Many cultures don’t even make the effort.
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Insanity,
America rose further, faster than any other civilization in human history because justice was also for the little guy.
The free market depends on contracts and the strong are just as beholden to the contract as the weak.
Freedom of speech, religion and gun ownership are also critical to Christian justice.
Nevertheless, Progressivism has almost put to death good, old fashioned, Christian America.
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I agree with you, Silence. The virtues entwined with Christianity certainly have a great deal to do with the rise and success of Western civilization. Naturally we promptly elected someone promising “change.” Let’s pray we all survive.
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https://shariaunveiled.wordpress.com/2015/06/01/poll-results-show-more-than-80-of-muslims-support-isis-conquest/
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dang, been played again! I really need to overcome those buttons the enemy keeps pushing and stop playing this stupid game. I am a stubborn horse/ I might even be a mule. I think I will get a drink of that water after all. Again I thank you!!
This reminds me, I dreamed the other night someone was shoot a cross bow at me just arrow, after arrow. I walked up to them with arrows still flying, As I did, I heard the Lord say they can’t hurt you. The arrows just kind of disappeared instead of hitting me. Then I just reach up and took the cross bow out of their hands.
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Oh, amen! Sounds like a lovely dream. We can do all things in Christ who strengthens us π
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Reblogged this on William Lloyd (Author) and commented:
This is an article I needed to read. I’ve been trying to discipline myself by not using foul language or yelling my ideas over someone else’s. Also, I have been trying not to judge anyone like I use to. Definitely a great post.
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Thank you for your kind words and your reblog. Much appreciated π
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