It's all just noise: Why I am completely un-freaked out by controversy and hot topics.

Facebook newsfeed grosses me out. There are so many very strong opinions, so many heated and passive aggressive discussions. So much tearing each other down with hateful comments over social media, all in the name of "having an opinion". 

So-and-so changed their body and re-labeled their sexuality. 

He messed up and his scandalous story is now exposed. 

They weren't accepting of her lifestyle, so they got sued for infringement of her rights. 

And the noise of controversy stirs and builds. Those who are looking to argue are quickly satisfied. 

I am completely un-freaked out and unimpressed. 

No, it's not because I don't have an opinion. No, it's not because I approve of what is broken. I am just over it. I refuse to add to the noise. 

I realize some may call me passive. Some may accuse me for not caring enough about what I believe in. But you see, I stand my ground for exactly that reason. It's what I believe in that keeps me absolutely unruffled. 

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:16-17

It's not that I'm not grieved by brokenness. Sin knocks cracks in my heart and in my desire to see goodness in humanity. Things are not as they should be, thanks to the disobedience, curse, and illness that every person is born into. It's sad. I ache for restoration. I feel the world writing in birth pains, anticipating impending deliverance. Deliverance is coming! Very soon. In the meantime I'm just NOT shocked by the way the broken world lives. It is, after all, broken. Why should I expect any different? The world, the ones who do not have the mind of the Spirit will not be living according to the Spirit. I will not hold a standard of holy living for those who do not believe in the God of eternity. Therefore, I cannot be disappointed when brokenness makes the front page. 

There is, however, something that does disappoint me. I am disappointed by those believers who throw their loud voice into the frenzied whirlpool of noise. Their world turns upside down when the world, yet again, is being broken. Whatever happened to Jesus' words telling us this would come- "In this world you WILL have trouble" followed by the promise that should be the anchor,"but take heart! I have overcome the world!" Whatever happened to words "full of grace, seasoned with salt"? My heart aches when I see believers running around in chaos. How it must ache the heart of our Maker.

Don't they remember that this temporary place is not as it should be? Have they forgotten who is still seated in His throne, victorious and coming back to make all things right?

I'm not suggesting that we need to be doormats. I'm also not suggesting that we forget to stand up for what is true. But friends, aren't you tired of trying to yell louder than all the many confused and lost opinions out there? 

What would happen if Christ followers stopped trying to argue with those who do not even speak the same heart language? What if we jumped out of the spinning madness to just be still, confident and at peace? 

Our God is not chaotic. He is not shocked at the life of the broken. His rhythm is steady and His driving desire is to woo the world with the intensity of His grace. Let's follow suit.