"He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise an and he will love you." PR 9:7-8
All of us have "facebook" followers, and twits on "Twitter" who do not share our core convictions. This week our mailboxes have bulged with "eloquent" emails that have raged with pious perspectives or ranted with rancorous rhetoric. They range from childhood friends, casual acquaintances, disturbed relatives, and cyber space stalkers. Reading their "wise words" or connecting to one of their "insightful links" reveals more about them, than you ever wanted to know.
Responding to their insipid remarks, with the hope of enlightening them to the truth, is a fool's errand. It is like being a designated driver, in car full of drunks and asking them to agree on the directions home. Attempting to get a consensus out of them is sometimes hilarious, but always an act of futility. They are going to have to sleep it off, and sober up, before they can see straight.
So many fools, so little time, what is a wise person to do? First, remember, you are the designated driver, so don't drink the Kool-Aid. What ever the ship of fools has been drinking, stay away from it. They may be singing, slobbering, and laughing their way home from the victory party, but don't be tempted to join in. Don't sell out your values or turn in your sobriety coin, just to be one of the gang.
Some of my Fundamentalist friends don't know the truth of what I am about to say, but here it is. You can't stay drunk forever. Chemical additives, and false philosophies do not provide permanent satisfaction. There is a hangover coming, and when it comes, it is not going to be pretty. Note: If this is something you have never experienced, ask a former Baylor frat boy. I can introduce you to a few, and they can explain it. Nuff said.
Nations and individuals have one thing in common. They can both get drunk on pride. Personal preference and self-centered navel gazing make a heady brew. When swallowed by a fool they pack quite a wallop. The Wise drink from a different well. They draw their drinking water from God. He is their source of direction, protection and correction.
The Wise learn how to operate under the control of, the influence of The Spirit of God. They have chosen not to yield to chemical additives, conventional wisdom, contemporary culture, or political correctness for their sense of well-being. They have placed themselves under the influence and control of the character of Christ. They have obeyed the command...
"Be not drunk with wine,...but be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:18
This is always harder to do, in the early stages of a party, when it appears to be going well. Any designated driver or hair holding friend, standing over a toilet, knows. Appearances can be deceiving. If you throw in with the wrong crowd, when all appears well, you will throw up with them, when it doesn't end well. Don't ever envy what you really don't want.
The Wise know that only God can transform a fool. Fools are not sobered up by logic or facts. They are no less foolish because they know they are wrong. They must choose what is right. The next Great Awakening will be led by those who are controlled by The Spirit of God. The Wise save their breath, to pray for the next Great Awakening. In the meantime, they refuse to engage in futile arguments with drunken friends, or delusional enemies.
TALK LESS! PRAY MORE!