I was catching up with one of the young guys from church this afternoon. We have been reading through Philippians together. Today, we looked at chapter 4, and as we were reading and then discussing it together, it dawned on us how striking Paul’s directives are,  and how much they contrast the kind of words and ideas that we see dominating the media and online discussions every day.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

What an antidote! What an alternative to 98% of what Christians and non-Christians alike share on their socials these days.

Doom scrolling is a thing. Doom sharing is also a thing. And algorithms are only too happy to feed these negative appetites and drag us further into the vortex of polarisation.

I follow loads of people online, Christians and atheists, left and right, and everyone in between. I have to say, it’s not pleasant out there in the cyber world (and neither is it in general life as well sometimes). There is this unhealthy, although understandable, negative undertone that is taking people hostage. Like a self-fulfilling prophecy, it is the critical spirit and judgmental tone that attracts the most attention.

Sometimes I’m reading yet another comment and I’m thinking, does this person ever think anything good, noble and encouraging? Sometimes you leave wondering, is there t nothing good happening in the world? Some Christians would have us think it’s all bad and evil, and the church is worse today than it was yesterday, and yesterday the Church was the biggest problem of all! (All these weak insipid feminised men not expressing anger with the same degree that I am feeling!…you know the posts). If your impression of Christianity is these kinds of public verbiage, I don’t blame you. Some religious voices are a constant negative tune, like an irritating cat screeching through the night. Why would we think Jesus is good when Christians are always so angry and unkind.

The thing is, there are real and really dangerous and serious issues facing our world and our country. I don’t think it’s hyperbole to suggest that we are moving toward one of the most dangerous periods in all history, and playing cricket while people go to hell is a little bit sadistic. However, and it is a BIG however, at the same time, this isn’t just the worst of times, it is always the best of times. The Gospel of Jesus remains good and true. God is changing lives and growing churches all over the world. There seems to be a growing interest in Christianity among young Aussie guys and girls. I suspect the interest is greater today than it has been for generations: this is a profound encouragement. 

If I may suggest a word to Christians who find themselves online a lot, and unable to control yet another word of complaint or rage or criticism,  what if we change the song list? Could you share something different for a change?

Instead of everything being triple forte and with dissonant chords, find a melody in F major where there is lyricism, beauty and goodness.

Goodness and beauty are interesting. They are complex. They are intriguing and stimulating and attractive. Can anyone deny the nobility of  Bach’s Preludes and Fugues? Or the wondrous sounds of a Chopin Ballade? Or even the captivating story of many a pop ballad.

There is occasion for a requiem to be sung and there is a time for hardcore punk anger and listening to Shostakovich’s C Minor String Quartet.  But they should not and must not be our constant melodic line.

Is the gospel of Jesus good news or not?

So instead of doom scrolling, remember the Lord’s goodness and rejoice and share that joy.

Instead of topping up rage with the latest daily outrage, follow Paul’s advice and focus on what is noble and beautiful and useful. Not only will this do your own soul much good, it will paint a more accurate portrait of Christ and that is surely what we want to do above everything; to show people the compelling good news of the God who saves.

Notice where Paul lands at the end of his encouragement: “the God of peace will be with you.”

How much our tumultuous world needs peace. How much our cities and streets need this Divine peace. If peace is our aim, to be at peace with God through Christ, start practising Philippians 4:4-9