Dismantle the Rant
In my last post I talked about the pitfalls of the micro-rant - the social media post meant to burn a particular person or people. I talked about the problem and here are my thoughts on solutions. Note that I have said nothing about what the other person should do. The other person cannot be forced into action, but you can make the choice today to act and live differently. In time, as you live your life in a way which honors Jesus, it will change the climate of your relationships. Here are some starting points: 1. Give it to Jesus. “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-30 We are most prone to a micro-rant or any anger with others when we have not been resting in Jesus. He wants all of us all the time. When we put our hope in people, we will be disappointed. Their failure to live up to our expectations is frustrating. Instead of ranting, we go to Jesus and put our hope in Him because He will never fail us. He will give us peace beyond our understanding. 2. Go to a Jesus-loving friend for counsel. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 When we get this worked up over something we have lost our practical trust in Jesus. No amount of lip-service about loving God can defend your actions. Our trust in others for our happiness is idolatry and we need to confess. When we admit our struggle to other people who love Jesus, we can heal. Spend time praying for that person and for yourself. Don’t let a frustration derail your journey with Jesus. If you are taking your problems to social media, you are looking for validation from others. Your validation should come from Jesus. If Jesus would not validate your attitude - it is wrong. A Jesus-loving friend will be able to speak wisdom and truth into the situation where you are unable see clearly. 3. Speak life over them. Your words have power. They have the power to give life and the power to destroy. If all you do is destroy another, they will react in kind. If you speak life over them, it may take a while but they will come alive. Finding the best in people and making it the focus of your thoughts and words. You will find your heart change toward them. “Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult. On the contrary repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 Lastly, we are called to something greater. We need to live lives that are exemplary. The apostle Peter said: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” Ask yourself, will others praise God for the life I have lived? Or will they forget it because it looked the same as everyone elses? You were blessed to be a blessing…so get to blessing others.
2 Comments
Kenn Platt Sr
9/1/2015 02:28:32 am
Thanks Ken
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Rev. Ken Platt, Lead Pastor at Wallenpaupack Church Archives
March 2016
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