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Week 22: July 10-16

What to Do With Information

On May 24, 1844, Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph message from Washington, DC to Baltimore, Maryland. It was a modern marvel of the time. People now had the technology to communicate almost instantly to anywhere in the world. This invention was a powerful tool and would pave the way for phone, radio, television, and the internet to stream information from one point to another, but it would forever change humans and information. We now have access to information that does not affect us and/or that we cannot affect. Henry Thoreau commented at the time of the invention:

“We are in great haste to construct a magnetic telegraph from Maine to Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing important to communicate....” [1] 

Neil Postman writes concerning the flow of information in our world:

“How often does it occur that information provided you on morning radio or television, or in the morning newspaper, causes you to alter your plans for the day, or to take some action you would not otherwise have taken, or provides insight into some problem you are required to solve?” [2]

Amazingly enough these men wrote about an information problem long before the explosion of the Internet!!!!!

I write these thoughts after a ride to work pondering the recent incidents in Louisiana, Minnesota, and now Dallas. I’m not saying that these events don’t affect us, but the question is how do we process this with our families? We are now burdened with information that needs context and understanding. We as parents need to teach and train our children how to deal with information. What is the right response?

The age of information and social media makes us believe that we can control and give input on matters that we have no context or connection to a thousand miles away. But we have been given control and context right here with our family and church family. We have to start there. We often neglect our local impact while we are crafting and delivering our social media responses to give our “two cents” to the matter globally.

So I urge you to sit down with your families and discuss these social events from a biblical perspective. Here are some starting thoughts.

1. We are all image bearers of God and are His creation. None are more or less important. Genesis 1:27

- We can’t take sides on an issue, all life matters.

2. What we see on the news and social media is a direct act of sin. Genesis 3

- Racism is a heart problem. Hate and killing are a heart problem.

3. Satan fuels these issues. Ephesians 6:12

- Satan is working to control and fuel the hate, anger, and retaliation in this world.

4. The only reform that will truly change people is salvation. II Corinthians 5:17

- We as Christians need to realize that no law, treaty, or social arrangement will solve these problems.

- The only real solution is a heart change through the gospel.

- Our long-term plan to see reform should be evangelism!

5. Our immediate response as Christians should be an outpouring of unconditional love. 1 John 4:7-12

- We should pour out our love and concern for all that have lost in these events.

- We should mourn with those who mourn.

- This display will show Christ most boldly! This is how Christ is seen in us. 

Does your family harbor the seeds of these actions? Are the roots of racism in your family? Do any members of your family feel superior or better than others for any reason? Does any member of your family struggle with anger and exhibit retaliation verbally or physically? Does any member of your family struggle to forgive or harbor resentment and bitterness? Does your family practice the unconditional love that 1 John speaks of? 

There is a place for peaceful protest and bringing awareness to horrifying social issues. But if there is anything we can do, we must start by training the next generation to not repeat these wrongs. 

Pray Together 

  1. Pray for healing and help for the families who lost loved ones in the horrific events over the last week. Pray that God will help us to teach our children correctly to see these events through “Bible eyes.”
  2. Pray that God will create an opportunity for a Gospel conversation this week.
  3. Pray that God will develop in you a heart of prayer and dependence on Him.

[1] Postman, Neil (2005-12-27). Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business (Kindle Locations 1236-1237). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

[2] Postman, Neil (2005-12-27). Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business (Kindle Locations 1281-1283). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

 

Posted by Rob Fipps with