August '25

Social media comment sections often feel like one big argument between
left and right, and woe betide someone on one side who dares to say that someone on the other has a good point.

As Christians, we must be careful not to conform to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2). Instead, we should resolve our inevitable disagreements in a manner that sets us apart and provides a good example. Scripture has much to say on how we should conduct ourselves, as seen in passages such as 2 Timothy 2:23-26, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:13, Romans 12:18, Proverbs 12:18, and Proverbs 17:14.

I am one of five elders in our church, the only Gen X member, and I grew up in a different culture. The first issue I encountered was the number of animated GIFs in the messenger chats. I didn’t understand them and hated that my phone would buzz to notify me of an amusing animation. I respectfully asked that the GIFs be kept to a chat I could mute, and they respectfully obliged. It was a good start.

As I worked through the candidate process, we were given material to read each month, sometimes from authors and pastors I enjoyed and sometimes from those about whom I had reservations. I’ll be honest: it’s hard work to listen to someone when you’ve already made up your mind about them. For example, I had only ever seen John Piper preaching, and I didn’t like his style at all, so I never thought to read his work. Then, I had to listen to several hours of him lecture on complementarianism, and I agreed with him entirely. My view of him changed.

I hope that throughout the process, I was honest yet humble about my views. This approach gave others an opportunity to see my perspective while also allowing them to correct me. Our final discussion as candidates was about Two Kingdom theology, to which I hold a different view than my brothers. They raised some good points I hadn’t considered, but this time, they were unsuccessful in changing my mind.

It was a lively and enjoyable discussion nonetheless.

All this to say, as we go through our monthly Pilgrim Progress, there may be authors, pastors, or subjects with which you disagree. My encouragement is to work through the material and bring your thoughts.

Come with humility, and you will find healthy discussion, listening ears, and possibly some gentle pushback. You may change your mind or enlighten others—that is one of the purposes of the evening.

On a different note, our new sermon series is on the Gospel of Mark.

When you find yourself doom-scrolling YouTube comments or trapped in shorts or reels, read the Gospel of Mark instead. Set aside time to read it in one sitting—it takes about 90 minutes, equivalent to two episodes of that show you’re binge-watching. Sit down with your physical Bible (not 2x audio), pray, and read it from start to finish.

If that’s not possible, at least try to read it in one day. May it be a blessing to you.

Mark Davies