I tweet quite often. In most instances, I’m tweeting words of encouragement or challenge or to stretch the minds of pastors. Sometimes, my tweets are misinterpreted. Other times, I accidentally state something that creates an unhealthy tension in those who read the tweet. This is never purposeful, but sometimes it happens.
Each of my tweets automatically shows up on Facebook. Without thinking of the various interpretations that would be possible, I tweeted the following statement: ”Will be so glad when the election is over so believers can start worshiping Jesus again.” This started an online conversation between people of varying party affiliations, a discussion that quickly became unhealthy.
My mistake was continuing to be part of the conversation.
I thought I could bring some closure to the discussion by speaking of the role of the president. I stated: “Wow. What a conversation. I sure didn’t realize this statement would create such a stir. Perhaps another thought. … The role of the president of the United States is to protect and abide by the Constitution, to govern under the authority of checks and balances, and to (in the opinion of those who believe the ideals of the forefathers of our country are the ideals that were to guide the decisions made by those who are given the power by the people who elected them, not that the Constitution is an evolutionary document whose ideals change with each generation’s new perspectives) lead the executive branch to make decisions and declarations based on what is the law, not what they want the law to be.”
I then continued, “Since the president is the president, not a pastor, priest or king, Christians whose convictions trump party line, whose convictions trump race, entitlement and/or generational ideologies tend to be voting for the individual who not only upholds the Constitution but who protects the unborn and the sanctity of marriage as by God’s design. Just another thought for consideration.” I wasn’t necessarily speaking of my own convictions, although it was obvious that’s how the statement was taken.
I should have remained silent.
