“Don’t Make It Personal”
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
But a man of understanding remains silent.”
-Proverbs 11:12
In the last post we looked at the question: “How can I be more mature when I talk to people online?”
The answer in summary—Don’t make it personal, painful, demanding, or rude. Today the first point—Don’t make it personal.
Forums are for critiquing thoughts, not thinkers.
Socialism in Scripture? For more than one hundred years, the people of the United States have faced the choice of socialism versus freedom.
Generally, the people have spoken out for freedom and individual rights. Politicians have affirmed these values while campaigning, but not while legislating.
As Christians in America consider socialism, they are sometimes told about “welfare” in the Bible. They are told that a “safety-net” is consistent with Christian values. They are told, “God cares for the poor, and so should our nation.”
The Bible does in fact tell Christians to give to the poor. But the question at hand is who controls the giving? Should individuals give of their own goods, of their own choice? Or should a politician decide how much one owes—and to whom one owes it?
So Christians should ask: Does God have anything to say about socialism? Is “welfare” in the Bible? Let’s look into the Bible’s most famous case of “socialism.”
“Don’t Make It Demanding”
A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
But a wise man quietly holds it back.
-Proverbs 29:11
An immature person makes too many demands on others.
In a forum there are several things I find too demanding. You may have a different opinion. It depends on the context and the relationship. But if you think you may be too demanding—ask.
“Don’t Make It Rude”
When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
But whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
-Proverbs 10:19
This is the last of five posts asking, “How can I be more mature when I talk to people online?”
Abraham Lincoln teaches us about maturity and immaturity in communication.
The Southern Blog recently posted an article on a question close to my heart: what do Christian leaders need to think, say, and do about the political changes rocking our country?
The article was called “The article was called “Politics, religious liberty, and the Christian.” In it, Boyce College Professor Bryan Baise explained that Christian leaders should not be apathetic to political change, but should, “Learn about the nature of God and government,” and “read widely the ideas that shaped our nation.”
