Today’s the day everyone has been Facebooking about:
It’s Election Day.
For the past several months I’ve witnessed the Presidential race from overseas; and while the ocean separates me from the United States, I have felt the effects of this Presidential Election closer than ever before. Every time I logon to Facebook and scroll through my news feed, I am caught-up into a new and bizarre form of Democracy.
Maybe it’s the Facebook algorithm, maybe I’ve got a diverse pool of friends, but I’ve seen everything from one extreme to the other with third party candidates sprinkled in-between.
Quite frankly, I’ve been disappointed.
Facebook political wars have become a “bumper sticker” debate forum. One liners, memes, and click-bait headlines to “news” stories that I doubt many have actually clicked – let alone read – before sharing. My guess is that if you’re really interested in learning the truth or finding out exactly what a candidate believes or supports, you’re not going to find it on Facebook. The same can be said about discussing politics and policies.
I suppose this really shouldn’t disappoint me.
After all, cat videos rule the web and ketchup is most everyone’s favorite. It’s my own naivety that would expect rationale discussion and thoughtful debate from the masses. The attitude, tone, and general behavior of too many Christians online; however, is my real concern.
I expect better from us.
Times They Are A-Changin’
I am happy to see the “presidential” politics of 2016 almost behind us. Today, on Election Day, everyone can let out their final plea and make their choice in complete equality. By the end of the day, the wheels of Democracy will rest on one candidate and one candidate alone.
[Video via YouTube]
Everything we’ve said or posted online is now history. Let it remain there. And let it remind us that every moment of every day we are making history.
- What kind of story are we writing?
- What kind of world are we building?
- What kind of legacy are we passing on?
Let’s be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19).
Let’s put our focus where it belongs and put into practice one of the greatest commandments Jesus gave us and love our neighbor as our-self (Mark 12:31).
Let’s choose to pray instead of sounding-off on Facebook. Let us be self-controlled, sober-minded, and keep loving one another earnestly – even when we don’t agree (1 Peter 4:7-11).
Phil Schneider says
So true! Christians first, Americans second.
Blessing Mpofu says
This is still so good, true, pertinent, relevant Eric.