Changing The Narrative Online - Grace Amara Ho
We’ve been called to live a life set apart from the world, so why can’t we do this online too?
We Christians know the importance of changing toxic cultures that aren’t aligned to His word, but why do we ignore these toxic cultures that exist online as a fact of life? In these recent months, we’ve seen the power of the internet in all forms of social media platforms - it connects people to unimaginable lengths, empowers historically ignored voices, and yet it can also spew immense distrust and provide incredible influence to people whose agenda is to conjure anger and conflict. Among all these, which side of the internet should we be on? One that tries to be patient, understand, love and share good things or one that tries to place unhelpful judgement in the name of upholding the laws of the Bible or to achieve some form of moral justice. So, what can we do to be the light of the world, not just in real life but on the internet as well? These are some of my thoughts.
Love and patience as main response.
As someone who has essentially grown up on the internet, I’ve seen a reasonable number of disputes and conflict of opinion, and I’m sure you have too. As much as we dislike it, we’re most likely bound to come across something absolutely offensive, and our first response is probably to be disgusted, hurt and/or angry. These are true for me and for many others I know. The instinct to take on the role of a keyboard warrior to fight back as viciously and woundingly tends to override the urgency of holding myself back. In times where I find myself on the verge of saying things that I know do not represent me, I recall James 1:19-20, a verse my mother had instilled in me in my developing years.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
James 1:19-20 (NIV)
I may not be fully aware of the circumstances of another individual on the internet. I may not know what led them to embody hate, but I do know that people have their own battles to fight. In my opinion, the best thing to do is to keep scrolling or leave the app entirely. I recommend not giving them the reaction they crave, and you shouldn’t have to lose your peace for people who only seek to pick fights. Remember: you live in accordance with a higher standard from everyone else of this world!
You probably aren’t qualified to scrutinise people like God.
John 8:7 lives in my head rent-free. All day, every day!
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.””
John 8:7 NIV
It’s pretty wild to see how so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ feel entitled to point out and scrutinise someone for their sins and mistakes. It’s almost as if we have never sinned ourselves. Cancel culture, ostracising online influencers for the same mistakes you’ve committed, is an extremity that many Christians are tempted to buy into, because it gives an illusion of moral high ground and righteousness. But let me be the one to remind you that scrutinising someone else does not make you a better person, nor does it forgive you of your own sins.
I know that many hurting people seek refuge in the comfort of social media platforms. I know that the anonymity of these platforms allow people to express their pain and hurt with complete ease. Faced with anyone hurting in real life, I know they need a hug. I know they need a friend, an ear to listen, a person to trust, and someone who will not judge them in a moment of vulnerability. I believe that those pained individuals online deserve the same support. Let’s live out the role of being the light of the world and extend a hand when others need it.
We can rewrite the ‘judgemental’ reputation that Christians have been branded with over the years. If the phrase ‘what would Jesus do’ or ‘WWJD?’ has never been relevant to you, now is likely a good time to start thinking about it. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbours. Jesus welcomed the outsider, healed the sick, and helped the poor. If we’re truly chasing after His likeness, I envision His kind of unconditional love should be something to be modelled after. Jesus paid the ultimate price to forgive us of our sins when we have never, and will probably never, do anything to deserve it. We love because He first loved. You’ve probably heard this before but I’m happy to reiterate it: Loving someone does not mean that you have to agree with everything they believe in. Don’t get it twisted girl!
Bring kingdom culture everywhere to the world around you.
Don’t limit a world-changing culture to our offline existence, expand! We’ve got an undeniable opportunity in this season to bring hope and light to various dark spots of our world, and the internet needs it. Let’s be intentional and reclaim it to honour God before we honour imperfect influencers and celebrities. Go and make an influence with your following on social media! Create a safe space for people and share His good word. Whatever you do, be purposeful and commit it to Him.
Grace Amara Ho
Grace attends Kingdomcity Youth, in Kuching Malaysia.