Think On These Things

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Think On These Things

by Bill Fortenberry

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

I spent the last 21 days of January fasting from social media and most television media. It. Was. Wonderful. I highly recommend it.

Let me be clear: I do not think you should bury your head in the sand. A lot has happened in our world over the past 12 months, and a lot is happening now. Educating ourselves about current events and how decisions can impact us is important to our families, our churches, and our communities.

However, in these uncertain times, we have to remember that Scripture calls Christians to a higher standard: to guard our hearts and to show love and encouragement. We are to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). We should exercise that wisdom and put it to use when scrolling Facebook or channels. Here are some observations: • The news media reminds us daily of how many people have died from or have contracted COVID-19, but not one of them has reported that 58.6 million people have recovered from it (as of the day that I’m writing this). That’s something to celebrate! • The news media tells us that our nation’s problems are due to poor governmental policy and lack of funding, but not one has reported that 70 percent of incarcerated adolescents and 60 percent of rapists were raised in fatherless homes. If there is a solution to pursue, how about starting with fatherhood? • I know people who have severed lifelong friendships because of words posted on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, ending whatever opportunity these individuals had to encourage, share the hope of the Gospel, or be available in a time of need. How about showing some grace and posting only things that are encouraging and edifying?

There is a better way to navigate these uncertain times:

• Don’t depend on the media to give you truth. Truth starts with the Bible. • If you’re going to post on social media, be an encourager. Tell people you love them (and mean it). • If you want to help the social ills of our nation, invest in families, starting with your own. • Paul’s words to the Philippians are good. Before you post, before you finish reading a post or article or

before you finish watching or listening to a broadcast, ask yourself: Is it true? Noble? Right? Pure? Lovely?

Admirable? Excellent? Praiseworthy? If it’s not, stop reading, stop watching, and don’t post. • Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. If your circumstances, media, social media, or social interactions are robbing you of your joy, STOP allowing them in your life. If there was ever a time when you’ve needed your strength, it’s now. Abide in Christ.

Look for the joy. Cultivate it. Shut out the voices that would take it away. THAT is how we live victoriously.

About The Author

Bill Fortenberry worked 17 years as a newspaper reporter, editor and columnist, and has worked in healthcare communications since 2001. Bill serves as the chairman of the board of managers of Haven Health Clinic for Women and is a men’s ministry leader and small group facilitator at his church, HBC Rome. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Ethan and Autumn. A storyteller at heart, Bill writes an occasional blog at kudzudad.blogspot.com.