Hope in the Storm
How We Can Communicate in an Outrage Culture
WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ
For many people, especially Americans, 2016 was a pivotal year. As if things were not already politically tense, the election of Donald Trump to the presidency has coincided with a political polarization not seen in the U.S. for many years. With the fallout from the 2016 election, Americans have become divided over values, fears, and different ideas of what the United States should be. Social tension is very high, while trust in our neighbor has plummeted.
While politicians and corporate America have certainly contributed to the polarization we see in our current political climate, all forms of media have been the extra fuel on the fire of a steadily growing blaze of social unrest. Facebook and Twitter are replete with opinion pieces, memes, and histrionic commentary by political activists. Each ill-advised Tweet from the president can gobble up an entire news cycle, leaving nothing left to talk about. Everyone is outraged, which outrages everyone. The cycle continues.
As Christians, it can be very spiritually discouraging to notice the wedge driven between our communities. With the constant resentment brought forth from all outlets, it can be tempting to become cynical about the current state of our society and apathetic when it comes to developing honest and healthy relationships. The desire to retreat becomes stronger than the desire to serve.
Fortunately, the scriptures contain many instances of a struggling society. We are given many great examples in the scriptures for how we can combat the outrage culture and be able to be a peacemaker in times of tension.
Here are just a few.
Righteous Lot
One lesson we can learn is in the example of Lot. In the iniquity of the city, Lot found himself in a terrifying situation among the wicked. Yet, in his mercy, God provided a way for Lot to escape along with his family (Genesis 19:15-22). Peter mentions God’s providence for Lot in his second epistle:
…and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials..
2 Peter 2:7-9
God understands and hears our cries when we are living among the iniquity of our culture. By his spirit, he has given us the fortitude to be able to endure. Even if we don’t win the battle, the war is already won.
Paul’s Plea
Paul seemed to find himself in contentious situations everywhere he went. He was used to being the only person around who possessed his values in Christ, and he knew a thing or two about the discouragement it could bring:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Notice how Paul tells us to let our reasonableness be known to everyone. In a society that lacks inhibition, our sobriety and peacefulness as Christians can help to inject some much needed temperance into conversations and bring glory to our Father, who desires peace.
Jesus Calls It
In some sense, Jesus was well aware of the kind of world his followers would be entering, and he is upfront with his disciples about what they should expect when living in the world:
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:12-13
Because of the constant conflict and hyperbole, it is easy for our love to grow cold as well. Yet Jesus warns against this hardening of the heart. Instead, we must be vigilant and fervent in prayer in order that we endure to the end.
Blessed are the Peacemakers
When the culture is a political powder-keg, it is easy for us to feel defeated. However, we are given the greatest gift as Christians to be proclaimers of peace and to be mediators for the world. While this may be difficult or even frightening to some extent, we must be bold to pray and to be ambassadors for Christ to a hurting world.
As Our Lord teaches us:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33