Too Much Noise - Ignore the Drama

If you’ve been following the events unfolding in the “Christian” community on social media, you might feel as though you’re immersed in a dramatic television series or a gripping soap opera this year. It’s easy to be drawn into the countless stories and seek out the latest updates from the so-called “suspect” internet prophets or the new wave of YouTube bloggers who have assumed the roles of judge and jury, delivering their final verdicts on each scandal. This has been dubbed the year of exposure, as many have taken it upon themselves to unveil truths and bring hidden matters to light. For a brief moment, I found myself getting sucked into the drama, wondering what was going to happen next. Keywords: Robert Morris, Youngblood, Jakes, SA, Daystar… and now, Parsley. What a mess! A made-for-television drama.   

A few years back, “Greenleaf” was an American drama (fiction) television series that explored the lives of the Greenleaf family. Key characters include Bishop James Greenleaf and Lady Mae Greenleaf, the family patriarch and matriarch, along with their estranged daughter Grace, who returns home after 20 years following the mysterious death of her sister, Faith. Although this family cares for and loves one another, they are plagued by secrets, lies, adultery, sibling rivalry, and other challenges as they strive to keep their family unit intact. Back then, I felt that Hollywood was trying to mock the Christian church in America. While Greenleaf was fictional, what I am watching play on social media is more salacious and scandalous than a fiction television series. While much of what we are hearing is alleged, the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle; it is a sad reflection to the world. If I were an unbeliever, what would make me want to become a part of this group of people who claim to be a part of the Body of Christ?

Looking at the church community’s current landscape, I am unsure where to direct people to go. While praying, I heard God say, “POINT THEM TO ME.” The truth is that a perfect church does not exist. It was as if God reminded me that only He has the power to save. I can plant the seeds, but God makes those seeds grow and take root in the lives of the individuals I am directing toward Christ.    

The Bible talks about how the wheat and the tares (weeds) will grow together. What does this mean?

In Matthew 13:24-29, Jesus tells a story about a farmer who sows wheat seeds in a field, but an enemy comes and plants weeds among them. In the Body of Christ, some individuals strive to live holy and righteous lives that please God; these individuals represent the wheat. The enemy is the Devil, who plants the weeds—those individuals whose aim is not to live a godly and righteous life and who may not take their Christian walk seriously.

Jesus explains that the wheat and the tares will grow together in the church. This parable is a metaphor for how God will separate the righteous from the unrighteous at the end of times. So, when you enter a church setting, understand that you will encounter many different people and situations at various growth stages.

We have all heard the phrase: “The church is a hospital.” It is a place for people from all walks of life who are meant to die to their fleshly and carnal nature and become renewed and alive in Christ Jesus day by day. The problem may be that believers have stopped dying to their fleshly, ungodly nature.

As the end of the year approaches, I do not need to be distracted by the social media soap opera drama.  I had to shut down all the noise from what was happening and redirect my attention to prayer, fasting, and direction for the New Year. I could quickly become discouraged; I am not. I continue to do what Paul wrote about in Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Stay focused on the Lord Jesus Christ amidst distractions. People may disappoint you, but God never fails.