Sinning in the age of Facebook
By Bishop Gary Mueller
As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I cannot conceive how anyone who calls himself or herself a Christian can think it is acceptable to go through life with a callous heart or fail to care about what happens to those who struggle to survive. Hard hearts and callous indifference to those who suffer is absolutely, totally and completely contrary to God’s Will.
Because I feel this way, I must admit it’s tempting to rail against those I’m convinced are sinning on Facebook. But, even as I ponder how good this might make me feel, I’m acutely aware how careful I must not be swept up in a phenomenon that is occurring right now. It is our penchant to criticize––even demonize––others for their actions, and think we’ve done everything we need to because we’ve said something on social media.
The fact of the matter is that my real first priority needs to be to deal with my own heart and my own callousness to injustice. Moreover, so is yours. Not just in generic terms, but by being willing to name it for what it really is––Sin.
But, there’s good news. Our sin doesn’t have to be the final word. We can change; not because of our own heroic efforts, but because of Jesus Christ’s unconditional, transformational and invitational love that has the ability to do what we struggle to do on our own––enlarge our hearts and unleash passionate care for every single human being we meet.
My prayer for all of us is that we will be courageous enough to be God’s salt and light in a world that needs it so desperately. Not just when everyone is talking about it. But, every single day––in every single way.
Bishop Gary Mueller, vice president
General Commission on UM Men