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Sandra Myers
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All Over the Map
The pictured quote to the right sounds akin to the
opening lines of Charles Dickens’ 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” It is still reflective of today.Now comes the modernized version of Dickens’ dichotomy.
For all of our technological advances and interconnectedness, even though we have the world at our fingertips, society is more isolated, anxious, depressed, confused and disjointed than ever. This modern duality, two contrasting things being true, illustrates the hollowness of our advancements. Even though we are “advancing” technologically, critical thinking, depth of knowledge and true wisdom is sorely lagging.
Connected Yet Isolated
It’s no wonder our children feel more disjointed and alone than ever with these vaccuous connections. They believe the real world connections are contained in the little flat box in their hands (their smartphone). The children are not to blame. Often parents instantly hand the phone over to their child as babysitter. Children also follow the examples of their parents and grandparents. Even when loved ones are physically gathered together, children watch the adults’ heads drop down and get lost in their phones.
Vast Amounts of Information, Yet Confusion Reigns
High tech has given us instant access to a world of information. People tend to reach for their smartphone whenever a questiom arises and they want instant answers. It could be in the middle of a gathering of friends. It could be in church or at a business meeting. Yet the nebulous algorithms feed you “information” based on your past history and what the programmers want you to know. The programming may support previous beliefs or feed you conflicting information to create personal upheaval.
Self-Awareness or Self-Deception?
People on the left would have you believe that they are more tuned-in to their bodies (self-aware). They know better than their Maker whether they should be a male, female, an animal or a potted plant. Then there’s the self-absorption that believes beauty is the plastic Barbie-doll faces of botox and fillers. Talk about deceived.
Expression or Suppression?
Expression is now more rampant than ever given all of the protests we are seeing. As long as you share their point-of-view. But the paid bullies are funded by billionaires who seek cultural upheaval and capitalize on it. The protesters don’t realize that they, too, are being duped and contributing to their own repressions by the very people who are funding the demonstrations and attacks. And, because the agitators are supported by the elite, leftist media, conservatives have largely been suppressed into silence.
Becoming or Avoidance?
Growing up, maturing, becoming an adult, accepting adult responsibilities or, sponging off of your parents, being chronically unemployed because life is just so hard (said with a whine). Learning morality and personal responsibility—or the abdication thereof.
The Ultimate Dichotomy
In these days of confusion, we Christians must be visible to those who are floundering in the sea of confusion and bombardment. We must reflect our Foundation and Light in our neighborhoods and communities.
But here’s the kicker: If a person—stranger, friend or family member, adult or child, saved or unsaved—looks at your life, will they see a dichotomy? Will your proclaimation of being a Christian match your actions—your outward real testimony? Or will they hear one thing and be confused about your actions?
One “Christian” parent told me about raising their children without much focus on Jesus, “I’ll let them make THAT decision when they grow up.” You say you love your children, your friends, your family. You would certainly mourn their physical death. Yet, for their eternal destination you give little guidance or anchor?
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“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
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James 4:7-8 
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