Today we and millions of others have an opinion, insight, point of view, argument, disagreement or other perspective, right? Some of them are helpful, a lot of them are well . . . misguided at best.
And of course, there are almost as many venues for telling others, most of them accessible online these days. We can utilize or at least peruse the major websites like this one, neighborhood groups, Reddit, Next Door, op ed articles, talk shows, public meetings and forums, demonstrations, well, the list goes on and on.
In addition, we think that our words will somehow change or at least in part alter the thinking of those who are exposed to our thoughts. Interestingly, a study by the Pew Research group found that only 14%, one in seven people, actually changed their view on something because of social media.
And a large percentage (greater than 50%) think that social media actually has a negative effect on how things are going in our country. And yet, people keep trying, seemingly griping to gripe or whining over and over as though there’s a perfect version of their desires out there some place.
It’s probably good to remember that even Jesus wasn’t received well by everyone!
So, is there a better way? I think so. Whatever you believe in strongly, just do it. I’d love to copyright that phrase but I think some company got to it first. Nonetheless, it applies.
Do you think people should care more about whoever or whatever? Then just do it yourself, model it, get some people together and show what your perspective could look like? Are you upset about how your neighborhood looks, about people who don’t take care of their property or how the HOA meetings are run? Then get involved in helping do things better?
Church people and even leadership are notorious for criticizing other churches for their music, teaching/preaching style, size, ministry choices, etc. Well, then BE the church you think is the most effective and organized according to the principles you believe are first and foremost.
Do you think certain things should be done or not done by community, state or national leaders? Of course, we can and should express our concerns directly to those leaders, but then just go help DO those things you’re wanting completed. Model it, show the joy a person can get from helping and as we often hear, BE the change you’re longing for. You see, that’s what unity if about. Not that we all look or think exactly alike. However, we live out our healthy thinking, we model the principles we believe are true and most helpful and show people the results.
And often we’ll discover that we can work together, respect one another’s passions, hopes and dreams and perhaps accomplish a few basic goals in oneness, just using different means.
You see we have some choices:
Will we be more connectors than complainers?
More winners than whiners?
More enjoyers than jerks?
More doers than downers?
More encouragers than enemies?
I feel sorry for people, many with platforms to speak to thousands, even millions, who seem to be always angry, always “right” in their minds, always unhappy an discontent. But we can offer a better alternative.
We probably can’t change them so let’s quit trying and simply model what we believe works best, whatever the forum. Just Do It and you don’t even have to buy the shoes.
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