December 25, 2019
Spotlight on local Churches
PASTOR'S CORNER by Pastor Chris Fuller
Turn to God, not social media
merica is divided/ polarized as never
before, and people are wondering what
to make of it or what to do. Polarization
where people divide themselves into
sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or
beliefs, and these political/ religious communities
are sometimes called “tribes.” I am hoping and
praying some reflections and suggestions make
America a better place, and help Christians have a
better witness.
A contributor to polarization is
Facebook and social media, and
there are multiple reasons for this.
First, most people have “friends”
or followers who believe simi-
larly. These friends reinforce and
strengthen what they already be—
lieve. This is nothing new. An old
saying is, “Birds of a feather flock
together.” Facebook and social
media makes flocking together
easier. Second, people say things
on—line that they probably would Pastor Chris ullor
not say face to face. Facebook
confrontations are often callous and uncaring.
Third, Facebook does not fact-check political ads.
They also do a poor job of monitoring other posts
and articles. This results in many newsy—looking
posts that are misleading and/or false. What looks
and sounds like news is not. Comparing major
news outlets to Facebook is comparing apples to
oranges. Fourth, political and religious groups,
and even other countries, are'using Facebook to
influence thinking and believing through decep-
tive communications. Facebook and social media
are great for family photos but poor at helpful
confrontation and building a healthy community.
Another factor in polarization is that most
people currently trust their political tribe more
than their faith’s teachings. America has moved
away from its past religious and spiritual moor-
ings. Many people even view God and country as
equally important in practice, even though they
deny it There are religious leaders who commu-
nicate political positions in conflict with scripture,
and there are people who put their trust in
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ters over scripture and the Holy Spirit
Another factor in polarization is that people
view their tribe with their heart but view other
tribes with their mind. When presented with
unflattering facts about their tribe, many people
immediately think of facts about the other tribe
they consider worse. People are more forgiving
of people in their tribe. This disparity only adds
to distance people feel towards those not of their
tribe.
So, what are Christians to do? First,
we need to get on our knees and
epent! The Christian community is
citizens of heaven. Second, I recom-
mend'we spend more time face to
face and less time on-line. It’s harder
to misunderstand or criticize someone in front
of you. Third, it is scriptural to confront people
privately and not publicly (Matthew 18: 15- 17).
Fourth, do not use Facebook as a news source.
Stop sharing posts that look like they are news
even if they contain some true facts. Finally, do
not let politics influence your faith, and let your
faith become more important than politics. Mark
12:17 says, “Then Jesus said to them, “Give back
to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God What is
God’s.” Christians need to put God first! Matthew
6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these shall be added
Dec.29
unto you.”
Monroe County Com-
Rev. Chris Fuller is the pastor of Russelhiille missioners on Tuesday,
Baptist Church, 111 Russellville Rd, Forsyth. Dec_ 17 auowed District 1
The Pastor’s Comer is sponsored by the Monroe
County Ministerial Association, which meets 53310122222661.0153:th vans
on the second Thursday of each month at 8:30 . . ’
am. at Christ United Methodist Church, 417N. dlscretl‘marl’ funds ‘0
Bev-
Frontage Road, Forsyth. Rums Whatley for semng
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Lee Smith
994-1666
Mon Fri 10 to 7
...Unless Playing Golf
known more for its political leanings
than its teachings. We need
0 seek the Holy Spirit for direction DEC 27
in our lives instead of trusting other Brooke White
ources or people. Psalm 146: 3 states,
‘Do not put your trust in princes, in Dec 28
. human beings, who cannot save.” As
Christians, we are first and foremost Be“ Andrews
Page 33
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American Red ceaseless: 9
Drive will be held of First “
Baptist Church High falls,
4408 High hells Road, on ,
Monday, Dec. 30 from 2 .
until pm. in the Fellowship
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Birthdays Anniversaries
Jackson Hamlin Christopher Merritt
Chip Davis Carl Moore
Dr. 8: Mrs. Steven Walker Audri McLaurln
J.C. 8: Mary Daniels
Dec. 30
Dec31
Brandon Stuart
Kayla Matthews
Emily Matthews
0 This week‘s birthdays and anniversaries are courtesy of Forsyth Lions
Club calendar. To have your name
added to the calendar, contact Virginia Remick of 994-5426.
0 Chlldren's birthday notices through age l2 and birth announcements
are published free of charge for
the community. Email Diane Glidewell of news©mymcr.nef with information
and picture.
Commissioner Evans donates
$3,000 to chaplain Whatley
as the' Monroe County Jail missioners on Tuesday,
chaplain. Dec. 17 re-appointed
longtime Hospital Author-
In other Board of Com- ity of Monroe County
missioners’ news: member Phillip English to
another five-year term on
Monroe County Com- the board.
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