Pastor’s Corner: “Christian Mic Drop”
Proverbs 1:15 (ESV) – My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths,
Philippians 2:15 (ESV) – That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
American culture is obsessed with dropping the mic. YouTube is overrun with videos of people “destroying” or “embarrassing” or “shutting down” some allegedly outwitted opponent. We love the idea of leaving an adversary speechless, their intellectual sails in tatters, the foundations of their confidence shaken and (we like to think) irrecoverable. If that’s your thing, this devotion may not be for you. To the best of my knowledge , I have not been able to find anything in the Bible that shows walking in Jesus’ footsteps including intentionally “destroying” or “embarrassing” or “shutting down” someone for personal gain and satisfaction. We are set apart from the world to do things differently.
There is a different way to leave people speechless as a Christian. Do you want to leave people amazed, dumbstruck, mouth agape, wondering what just happened? LOVE THEM! BLESS THEM! Treat them with sincere kindness and respect. Not that condescending, counterfeit, passive-aggressive tone that everyone knows is a subtle insult, or that syrupy, plasticky sweetness that everyone knows is fake. I mean the sincere and practical love of Christ, spilling over from a heart softened by grace. Because love, God tells us, is the ultimate Christian mic drop. I Peter 3:9, 16 – Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless… having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame”
Do you want to shock the world, shake up people’s view of Christianity? Peter tells us to submit to the authorities God’s put in place to curb evil and promote good (2:13–14). But Peter’s not just telling us to passively follow laws. He’s telling us to do good as citizens and neighbors (2:15). If you want the kind of influence that hangs in the air after you leave the room, make your mark by doing good in society. 1 Peter 2:15 – For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
Do you want to change the narrative about Christians? Do you want the scoffing to switch into singing? Do you want mocking of the gospel to become gospel praise? Then live honorably in all arenas of life. It’s not easy, because character is fragile, and you have to keep it maintained. But over time, it’s hard to keep shaming an honorable person. And sometimes, when they can’t beat you, they’ll join you. 1 Peter 2:12 – Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. This plants a billboard for Jesus that’s hard to mock!
Do you want the slander to stop? Do you want the mockers to go mute? Don’t join the circus of people screaming at the top of their lungs with words that cut, bite and destroy. Instead, be an example of self-control, integrity, and honorable speech. A dignified person will still be shamed, but eventually the shade will fall back on those throwing it. Titus 2:6–8 – Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us
As Christians, we should be eager to make a powerful impact for the gospel that we believe. 1 Peter 3:15 (AMP) – 15 But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. God has given us distinctly Christian ways to fill society with that impact. It’s not mainly through clever comebacks or being the smartest guy in the room. It’s through sound Christian character and active Christian commitments and kind Christian relationships, over time. Because when we love our enemies, do good in society, live honorably, and stay dignified, we’re not just dropping the mic and walking out. We’re picking up the gospel, and walking in.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton