“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” Proverbs 17:14
I have a dark secret - one I am sure many have. It’s an addiction: I cannot stay away from the comment sections on social media. Worse yet, I cannot refrain from commenting. There. I said it. I am a commentor. I have tried for a long time not to comment, not to even go there. I am successful for a while then I read some really dumb comment and BANG! I have to throw in my “two-cents.” Then comes the follow-up which really makes me angry, then it is game on. I am sucked in; my dukes are up (or rather my typing fingers) and we are “off to the races.”
But why? What is the point? When I look at it rationally, I have to ask, “why?” Why should I care about what a stranger posts regarding something that is not important. It’s all a matter of pride really. “I need to weigh in with my superior knowledge and my words of wisdom.” But all that leads to is strife, aggravation, and wasted time. It certainly does not lead to the peaceful and abundant life Jesus wants for us.
So, whether its in our “real world” lives, with our families or friends, at work, or online where anonymity emboldens our worst qualities, let us take a step back before we jump into the middle of something that doesn’t matter, before we bring forth nothing of value. Let us keep the flood gates of idle chatter closed, lest we be swept up in the deluge.
Prayer: Lord God, you gave me a one brain. May it guide me. You gave me two ears. May I use them to listen more than I speak. You gave me one mouth. May I use it to speak words according to your will. You gave me “ten little typers” at the end of my two hands. May I use them for practical purposes that glorify you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.