Distracted by the Headlines

Taking a break from my studies I walk laps in the auditorium, music from my phone playing in the background. I am lost in thought, distracted.

Social media has exploded with comments about the pro-LGBTQ display during the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Some defend, some condemn, some say, “Just watch the games,” and others, “If you don’t like it, don’t watch.” And still others have mixed the parading figures in the opening ceremonies with prophetic imagery from Revelation and declared…. 

(I don’t know what they are declaring. I didn’t listen long enough to find out. I didn’t have to; I didn’t want to.)

Much like the unexpected display in Paris was an unexpected event at the time of Jesus. The Roman governor Pontius Pilate mixed the blood of some Galileans with pagan sacrifices. Some Jews came to Jesus to ask His opinion of this startling headline news. His answer:

“Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?”

—Luke 13:2 (ESV)

Jesus’ question made His listeners think about God’s judgment. It was a way of asking whether the Galileans who died had received divine judgment at the hand of Pilate for being worse sinners. In reality, all sinners are worthy of divine judgment. Then, Jesus continued…

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (v. 3)

Jesus redirected their focus from the headline news of the day to their individual response to God. They needed to change their way of thinking (repent), or they would perish, i.e., die in their sins, just like those Galilean sinners.

We need to stop reacting to headline news; we need to stop focusing on the inequities of life.

Recall what the Apostle Peter wrote:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

—1 Peter 4:12 (ESV)

Peter was trying to prepare the early saints for persecution, something far worse than being offended by a public display interpreted as ungodly. Why would it be strange that a group/ organization that promotes the glorification of human achievement does not honor God?

Saints, do not be naïve! 

We cannot expect those who do not know Christ to act like Christ! Stop reacting to headline news and the inequities of life. Stop living with your head in the sand engaged in things elsewhere in the world, things over which you have no influence or control. 

Pray? Yes! But wake up!

The words of Jesus echo through the centuries, “Repent!” We must focus our minds on the current year, our current place of residence, and the circumstances surrounding our individual lives. We each need to focus on the kingdom of God. There will be yet another headline tomorrow, another great injustice, another offense. And there will be, for some, true persecution for doing good and standing for Jesus.

On the great day of judgment God’s interest will have nothing to do with your opinion of the questionable things that have occurred on the earth. He will want to know whether you pledged your allegiance to Jesus; whether you remained faithful to Jesus; and whether you went through each day striving to be holy and striving to do good. 

Refocus!

Mark Stinnett

August 4, 2024